Can someone help me write a chemistry discussion for the formation of esters?

Question

I really need the help, I tried and handed it up to my teacher but she let me re-do it because she said I left out reference to conc. of H2SO4 and info on it being a condensation reaction. The apparatus used was ethanol and butan-1-ol, glacial ethanoic acid, conc. H2SO4, measuring cylinder,boiling tube and beakers. You can include any helpful tidbits as well because I can use all the help I can get. And, if anyone knows how, describe using equations and conditions, what happens when an ester(ethyl ethanoate) is heated with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Thanks for the help!(in advance)

Answer 1

Ok first of all, you people who just want to get 2 points by answering with completely pointless comments like 'I know nothing about chemistry' can all drop dead, the guy has said he's tried by himself and now he needs help..jeez.
Basically, the actual esterification occurs between the ethanol and the ethanoic acid. The sulphuric acid is present to act as a catalyst, but I have to be honest I don't know why you're using butanol as well.
The basic equation is:
CH3-CH2-OH + CH3-COOH --> CH3-COO-CH2-CH3 + H2O
The sulphuric acid MUST be concentrated, because you want to keep the reagents anhydrous if possible; excess water will facilitate the back reaction (a dehydrating agent such as calcium chloride could also be added after the reaction for the same purpose).
The mechanism is complex but, basically, it is a condensation reaction because a molecule of water is eliminated in the process of forming the new C-O-C (ester) bond. You will NOT be expected to know the mechanism for A-level but you may wish to have a look at it (see source list) for your own reference as it will give you more information of how the H2O is lost and how the sulphuric acid acts as a catalyst.
Lastly, when an ester is heated with aqueous sodium hydorxide, the reverse reaction occurs & the ester is hydrolysed (note that the mechanism is different and the hydrolysis is irreversible). However, whereas in the esterification reaction the acid acts as a catalyst and is not changed during the reaction, in the hydrolysis reaction the alkali is acting as a reactant and is used up in the process:
CH3-COO-CH2-CH3 + NaOH -> CH3-COO-Na + CH3-CH2-OH
Good luck

Answer 2

Of course...Ester is celebrated as the day Jesus rose from the dead. So happy ester.

Answer 3

sorry no good at chemistry

Answer 4

DIY!!!!