Laboratory Practice – 1st Part Learning Guide, pages 36 to 39

Elaboration of a synthetic aroma: Esterification Reaction

Objective: To prepare the isoamyl acetate ester through the esterification reaction.

Materials and Procedure

● Glass container
● Isoamyl alcohol
● Acetic acid
● Calcium chloride
● Hydrochloric acid
● Water

1.- In a glass container (beaker or test tube) add 20 mL of isoamyl alcohol and 5 mL of acetic acid.

2.- Carefully add 2.5 grams of calcium chloride.

3.- Add a drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid.

4.- Cover the container and let it rest for 10 min.

5.- Add 30 mL of water and mix with a rotary movement for 3 min.

6.- Approach the container and bring the vapors to the nose using the palm of the hand.
 Laboratory report
Elaboration of a synthetic aroma. Esterification reaction

I.- Introduction

What is the esterification reaction?

It’s when a primary alcohol is synthesized with a carboxylic acid, this compound has a sweet smell

What is the chemical equation of the esterification reaction?

Acid + Alcohol → Ester + Water

What are the most common esters?

Fragrances and flavors

Where can we find esters in nature?

Flowers and fruits

What is the importance of creating esters synthetically?

Because they are used in the production of perfumes, candy, cakes, gum…

II.- Objective
Being able to see the reaction when mixing alcohol with carboxylic acid and thus putting into practice to
know how to create an ester.

III.- Materials and Method

separation funnel
beaker
acetic acid
calcium chloride
isoamyl alcohol

We first pour in our isoamyl alcohol and acetic acid into an Erlenmeyer flask. Then we must add our
calcium chloride for it to dehydrate, and just two drops of hydrochloric acid. The sample is heated and
added water. We shake our mixture with a circular mixture. Lastly we had the chance to smell the
reaction

IV.- Results

Compound odor: A strong smell like banana

Reaction that took place (reagents and product): CH3-CH2-H2O-C-CH3 = CH3-CH2-COO-CH3

Name, chemical structure, and functional group of the compound: Is an ester from esters.
CH3-CH2-COO-CH3

Name and chemical structure of esters with a characteristic odor of:

a. Pineapple : Ethyl butyrate CH3-CH2-CH2-COO-CH2-CH3.

b. Apple: Butyl Acetate CH 3-COCH2-CH3-CH3
c. Jasmine essential oil: Benzyl acetate CH3-COCH2-C6-H5
d. Artificial rum flavor: Ethyl formate C3H6O2

V.- Conclusion
The experiment was carried out successfully and the objective was achieved. We learned about how the
smell of different chemicals mixed together can change depending on the chemical you use, and how it
can turn completely different, from sour to sweet or vice versa. Maybe we could try creating a sweet
smell for a perfume or similar.