Student Comments 2008: Synthesis of Aromatic Esters 

The prelab called for 4.3 mL of 1-propanol, however because the soln can be easily burned when heated, 10mL more was added by Dr. Friesen. This definately helped, however some solns still burned a bit to the side of the roundbottom flask. Maybe one or two more mL of 1-propanol could have prevented this, or possibly a stir bar? - Becki H.

When heating on the round-bottom flask, it is necessary to heat the mixture slowly and carefully. As stated above, some solutions burned on the side of the flask. You should not place the flask directly on the heating source; just get it as close as possible without touching the source. Also, do not turn the heat directly on high at first. Gradually increase the magnitude of the heat and this will prevent the solution from burning on the side of the flask. --Patrick Hughes

After the reflux it tells you to let your solution cool to room temperature and it notes that your mixture may solidify when cooled. Then you are supposed to add TBME which will dissolve the solid. My solution, and I don't know if this was true of anyone else, didn't solidify so adding the TBME seemed to be a waste of chemicals and time, especially since 40mL was added. And regardless of whether or not you should use TBME, don't sit there forever waiting for the mixture to solidify because it just might not happen. --Megan Wasz

After obtaining your final product do as much with it as you can.  Check the color, odor, perform solubility tests with as many liquids as possible and finally, run it through as much analysis as possible (IR, GC etc..).  Do to the fact that we have very little skill in characterization, it is a good idea to compile as much information as possible on the product to make it easier come time for the post-lab. --Allison Kolman

Make sure that you calculate the right amount of 1-propanol to use because I miscalculated that and almost use 10 times the amount that I actually needed.--Kendall Moore

When extracting, wait a couple seconds after shaking before removing the bottom layer.  Sometimes I had a hard time distiguishing the top from the bottom but it became more distinct after a couple seconds and I was able to easily remore the layer.  --Melanie Bonifacio

In this lab be extra careful to not place the flask directly on the heating source.  Make sure to keep heat the solution slowly and increase the temperature slowly.  This will prevent any of the solution from burning.  Keep a close eye on your mixture! Tamara Pike