Exploring the Chemistry of Making Ethyl Ethanoate

TLDRIn this video, Alexandra Young demonstrates the process of making ethyl ethanoate through esterification, isolation, and purification. Ethyl ethanoate is commonly used in perfumes, nail polish remover, and flavorings. Safety precautions should be taken when working with flammable alcohols and corrosive acids. The reaction can be influenced to increase the yield by using an excess amount of reactants or dehydrating agents. The product is then purified through distillation. The video provides a detailed step-by-step guide and important tips for success.

Key insights

🧪Esters are fragrant compounds used in perfumes, nail polish remover, and artificial flavorings.

🔥Alcohols used in the experiment are flammable and should be kept away from flames.

⚠️Carboxylic acids used in the process are corrosive, and caution should be taken to avoid skin contact.

👨‍🔬Adding sulfuric acid as a dehydrating agent helps increase the yield of the desired product.

🌡️Distillation is used to purify the product, ethyl ethanoate, by separating it from other components.

Q&A

What are some applications of ethyl ethanoate?

Ethyl ethanoate is commonly used in perfumes, nail polish remover, and artificial flavorings.

What safety precautions should be taken when working with the chemicals used in the experiment?

Due to the flammability of alcohols and corrosiveness of carboxylic acids, it is important to keep them away from flames and avoid direct skin contact. Safety equipment should be worn, including gloves and goggles.

How can the yield of ethyl ethanoate be increased?

The yield of ethyl ethanoate can be increased by using an excess amount of reactants or adding a dehydrating agent like sulfuric acid.

What is the purpose of distillation in this experiment?

Distillation is used to purify the product, separating the desired product from other components in the reaction mixture.

What is the boiling point of ethyl ethanoate?

The boiling point of ethyl ethanoate is approximately 77 degrees Celsius.

Timestamped Summary

00:04Introduction to the video and the chemistry lab.

00:11Explanation of the purpose and applications of esters.

00:32Safety considerations when working with flammable alcohols and corrosive acids.

01:18Using excess reactants or dehydrating agents to increase yield.

02:22Setting up the reaction and the importance of boiling chips.

05:38Isolating the product using separating funnels and water.

08:25Removing impurities and purifying the product through distillation.

12:18Measuring and calculating the yield of the product.