2.

METHODOLOGY
2.1 Characterization of Acetic Acid
Two (2) milliliters of distilled water and ten (10) drops of glacial acetic acid were placed in a
clean and dry test tube. The odor produced of the solution was recorded. Afterwards, pH paper was
dipped in the solution to determine the pH level of the solution. Two (2) milliliters of 2M NaOH were
added to the solution. The test tube was then covered and was sharply tapped. After removing the cover,
continuous dropwise addition of 2M NaOH were done until the solution turns basic. The pH level and
odor produced of the solution were recorded. Consequently, 3M HCl was added dropwise to re-acidify the
solution and was then tested for its pH level. The pH level and odor produced of the solution were
recorded.
2.2 Characterization of Benzoic Acid
On a watch glass, 0.1 g of benzoic acid was weighed in an analytical balance. A sample
equivalent was estimated and obtained with an aid of a spatula and was also placed on a watch glass. The
samples were then transferred into two separate test tubes and were each added two milliliters of distilled
water. The test tubes were mixed thoroughly. Its solubility was observed and recorded. Afterwards, one
milliliter of 2M NaOH was added to each of the test tubes. The physical changes observed and the odor
produced were recorded. Then, approximately five drops of 3M HCl were added to each of the solution to
re-acidify it and were tested for their pH level through dipping pH paper. The solution was then observed
for any physical changes and the pH levels were recorded.
2.3 Fischer Esterification
Into five clean and dry test tubes, ten drops of liquid carboxylic acid or 0.1 g solid carboxylic acid
and ten drops of alcohol were placed according to the schemes in the table below:

Test Tube Carboxylic Acid Alcohol

1 Acetic Acid Benzyl alcohol
2 Acetic Acid Isopentyl alcohol
3 Acetic Acid Ethanol
4 Salicylic Acid Methanol

After mixing, the odor produced was recorded except for the test tube containing methanol.
Afterwards, five drops of concentrated sulfuric acid (H 2SO4) were carefully added to each of the test tubes
and were mixed thoroughly. Then, the test tubes were placed on a hot water bath of about 60°C for
approximately 15 minutes. After removing the test tubes and letting it cool, few drops of each product
were placed on the watch glass with an aid of pipette. The odor produced was recorded. Lastly, two
milliliters of distilled water were added to each of the test tubes. The physical changes observed were
recorded.
 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
3.1 Characterization of Acetic Acid

Table 1. Properties of Acetic Acid

After addition of After the addition After the addition of
Property
Water of NaOH solution HCl solution
Odor Pungent sour odor Odorless Faint sour odor
Solubility in the Soluble; homogeneous
soluble Soluble; little cloudy
solution solution
pH 2 14 4

3.2 Characterization of Benzoic Acid

Table 2. Properties of Benzoic Acid

Property After addition of After the addition After the addition of
Water of NaOH solution HCl solution
Odor Odorless Odorless Odorless
Solubility in the Insoluble Slightly Soluble Cloudy white solution
solution formed; still insoluble
pH - - 5

3.3 Fischer Esterification

Table 3. Properties of Ester

Ester
Observatio
Test
Carboxyli n after
tub Alcohol
c acid IUPAC Structure Odor (1) Odor (2) adding
e
distilled
water
The solution
The reaction
The solution formed a
solution
Benzyl Benzyl generates layer with
1 Acetic acid fruity –
alcohol acetate strong vinegar colored layer
pears like
odor. on the lower
odor
portion.
3- The solution
The The
Methylbutyl formed a
solution solution
Isopentyl ethanoate layer with
2 Acetic acid generates generates
alcohol or oily phase on
banana banana
Isopentyl the upper
odor. odor.
acetate portion.
3 Acetic acid Ethanol Ethyl The The The solution
ethanoate solution solution formed a
or generates generates layer with
Ethyl faint sour nail particles on
acetate odor. polish the bottom
 remover part of the
odor. test tube.
The solution
Methyl 2- The solution
formed a
hydroxybe generates
layer with
Salicylic Methano n zoate strong minty
4 particles on
acid l or odor
the bottom
Methyl (wintergreen
part of the
salicylate scent)
test tube.