Esters

Mother · Post by **Mother** » 03 May 2007, 11:32

I'm needing help again!!!

I already have about 8 ester combinations.But what I'm looking for is a combination using Propanoic Acid. One of our Chemistry teachers who used this has now left and no one else knows what the mix is or what fragrance it produces.I have a feeling it might have been roses!!!

Thanks
Mother

Jazz · Post by **Jazz** » 03 May 2007, 13:17

Hi Mother,
Propanoic acid can be used with any alcohol (ethanol, methanol, propanol, butanol) and with conc. sulphuric acid will form esters. (Sulphuric Acid catalyst)

methanol + propanoic acid methyl propanoate + water. ( nail polish remover)

ethanol + propanoic acid ethyl propanoate + water H2O (rum)

propanol + propanoic acid propyl propanoate + water ( sweet fruity, banana)

butanol + propanoic acid butyl propanoate + water (sweet fruity pineapple)

laurena · Post by **laurena** » 04 May 2007, 09:37

Hello,

These are some of the esters that we make:

Put approx 2ml of each substance into a large test tube, add approx 15 drops of sulfuric acid.

Stopper the test tube loosely with cotton wool.

Place the test tube in a large beaker of boiling water for approx 10-15 minutes.

Pour contents into a 100ml conical flask approx 50ml of water and swirl.

Waft odour.

* place methanol and salicylic acid (approx 1 spatula) = oil of wintergreen

* place propanol and glacial acetic acid = pear

* place ethanol and butanoic acid (butyric acid) = pineapple

* place methanol and butanoic acid (butyric acid) = apple

* Benzyl acetate = strawberry
* ethyl butyrate = pineapple

I hope these will help.

Laurena
Waikerie High School

Mother · Post by **Mother** » 04 May 2007, 12:03

Once again you guys have come up with the goods!!!!!!!
Thanks very much
Cheers Mother