Ester formation & amount of acid catalyst needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formation of esters through Fischer esterification, specifically focusing on the amount of acid catalyst needed for the reaction. Participants explore the appropriate quantities of acid catalyst in relation to the reactants involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the exact amount of H2SO4 needed for the esterification process, seeking clarification on whether the amount should be based on moles of carboxylic acid or alcohol.
  • Another participant suggests that the acid catalyst amount is likely related to the carboxylic acid.
  • A different participant shares their experience, noting that in their practice, the amount of acid used has been very small, suggesting that concentration may not be critical, but cautions that excess acid could be problematic if the alcohol or reactants are sensitive to acid.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the quantity of acid catalyst needed, with no consensus reached on a specific amount or method of calculation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights uncertainties regarding the optimal amount of acid catalyst and its dependence on specific experimental conditions, as well as the lack of clear definitions for the terms used.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in organic chemistry, particularly those studying ester formation and reaction conditions in Fischer esterification.

smack_whore
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Hi I've been reading a lot about esters and have the general idea but I am not sure about exact amounts of acid catalyst needed.
say the following experiment was tro be carried out to form an ester
R-C=O(O-R2)
*X moles of R-C=O(OH)
*10X moles of R2-C-OH
*How much H2SO4 would be needed?
i read a few drops are needed, but a few drops per what?per mole of carboxylic acid?alcohol?
any answers comments appreciated, thanks :!)
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
I'm pretty sure it's carboxylic acid
 
Whenever I have done a Fisher esterification the amount of acid called for has been exceptionally small (e.g. 0.002 equivalents relative to acid) so I don't think that the concentration is very important. That said, additional acid probably won't cause problems unless your alcohol or acid/ester and especially acid sensitive.
 
thanks

thanks a lot for the links tutor n for the advice movies, both very helpfull.i think i have everything i need now :smile:
 

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