Sandra K. Koster, Ph.D.  Lecturer
Department of Chemistry
4003 Cowley Hall
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday  11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
or by appointment.
(608) 785-8282
(608) 783-7013
(608) 780-5081

Follow the procedure in your lab text on the microscale preparation of isopentyl acetate but with the following modifications. We will make a variety of flavoring esters by using different alcohols and carboxylic acids instead of making only isopentyl acetate (banana oil). For any ester you wish to make (including isopentyl acetate), use 1.5 ml of the alcohol and 2.0 ml of the carboxylic acid. After one-hour reflux with acid catalyst as described in your text, the crude reaction mixture may be stored in your desk until the next lab period or some or all of the washing can be done on the first day. Use several washings of saturated NaHCO₃ to remove excess carboxylic acid. To see if you are finished, check the ester layer with wet litmus paper. If it turns red, you have not removed all the excess acid and should repeat the NaHCO₃ wash until litmus shows no red. The rest of the procedure should be done as indicated.

The possible reactions are as follows. Check with your instructor before choosing an ester to make.

Email me at koster.sand@uwlax.edu

Last Modified 10/10/08