CP5 Synthesis of an Organic Liquid

• Why is it essential to understand the properties of the target organic liquid when planning its synthesis?

  For efficient reaction design
• The boiling point of ethyl ethanoate is 77 °C.
• Ethyl ethanoate is highly soluble in water.

  False
• What acid is typically used as a catalyst in the synthesis of ethyl ethanoate?

  Sulfuric acid
• A reflux apparatus is used to prevent the loss of reactants through evaporation.
• Match the step with its explanation in setting up the reaction apparatus:

  Set up reflux apparatus ↔️ Connect a round-bottom flask to a water-cooled condenser

  Add reactants ↔️ Mix equal volumes of ethanol and ethanoic acid, then add sulfuric acid

  Begin heating ↔️ Gently heat the flask using a heating mantle
• Ethyl ethanoate is completely insoluble in organic solvents.

  False
• Why is understanding the properties of ethyl ethanoate vital for quality control procedures?

  To ensure product purity
• The molar mass of ethyl ethanoate is 88.11 g/mol.
• Heating the reaction mixture increases the reaction rate in ethyl ethanoate synthesis.
• What is the purpose of the water-cooled condenser in the reflux apparatus?

  To prevent reactant loss
• What safety precaution should be taken when handling flammable reactants?

  Use a well-ventilated area
• Concentrated acids should be used with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• The reflux apparatus uses a water-cooled condenser to prevent reactant loss
• What catalyst is used in the synthesis of ethyl ethanoate?

  Sulfuric acid
• The flask should be heated using a heating mantle to maintain a moderate reflux rate
• What is the purpose of the condenser in the reflux apparatus?

  Cool vaporized liquids
• The water-cooled condenser must be attached to the round-bottom flask with a tight seal
• Steps to carry out the reaction safely and efficiently

  1️⃣ Heat the reaction mixture gently

  2️⃣ Maintain a moderate reflux rate

  3️⃣ Ensure thorough mixing

  4️⃣ Monitor the reaction temperature

  5️⃣ Observe all safety precautions
• A moderate reflux rate prevents overheating and ensures a controlled reaction
• What should be monitored to optimize the reaction rate and yield?

  Reaction temperature
• Common purification techniques for ethyl ethanoate include distillation and column chromatography
• Why is distillation effective for purifying ethyl ethanoate?

  Low boiling point
• Recrystallization is suitable for purifying ethyl ethanoate

  False
• Match the property of ethyl ethanoate with its value:

  Chemical Formula ↔️ C₄H₈O₂

  Molar Mass ↔️ 88.11 g/mol

  Boiling Point ↔️ 77 °C
• The reactants used to synthesize ethyl ethanoate are ethanol and ethanoic acid
• Why is heating required in the synthesis of ethyl ethanoate?

  Increase reaction rate
• The reaction apparatus setup begins with a round-bottom flask connected to a water-cooled condenser
• Why is a water-cooled condenser used in the reflux apparatus?

  To prevent reactant loss
• In the reaction mixture, sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst
• Heating the flask maintains a moderate reflux rate to avoid overheating and ensure a controlled reaction.
• Steps for setting up the reflux apparatus

  1️⃣ Connect the condenser to the flask

  2️⃣ Add ethanol and ethanoic acid

  3️⃣ Add sulfuric acid catalyst

  4️⃣ Begin heating the flask
• What safety precautions should be taken when using glassware and heating equipment?

  Handle carefully and avoid overheating
• A moderate reflux rate is maintained during heating to prevent overheating
• Maintaining a moderate reflux rate ensures vaporized reactants are recycled back into the flask.
• Why is thorough mixing of reactants necessary during the reaction?

  To ensure uniform reaction
• Monitoring the reaction temperature optimizes the reaction rate and yield
• What PPE should be worn during the ethyl ethanoate synthesis?

  Safety glasses, gloves, lab coat
• Purification is essential after synthesis to ensure high product purity and quality.
• Distillation is suitable for purifying ethyl ethanoate due to its low boiling point of 77°C