Experiment 80

Objective

To produce ethanol in the laboratory from the hydrolysis of ethyl acetate using sodium hydroxide.

Introduction

Ethanol can be synthesized from ethyl acetate by hydrolysis. When ethyl acetate is boiled with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it breaks down into ethanol and sodium acetate.

Reaction

CH3 ​- CO-OCH2CH3 ​+ NaOH(aq) → CH3 - COONa + CH3​-CH2​OH

Materials

Chemicals

·       Ethyl acetate (CH₃-CO-OCH₂CH₃)

·       Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

Apparatus

·       Test tube

·       Bunsen burner

·       Test tube holder

·       Thermometer

Reagents

·       Use 5-6 mL of ethyl acetate with sodium hydroxide.

Procedure

1.    Preparation of Reaction Mixture

o   Place ethyl acetate in a test tube.

2.    Addition of Sodium Hydroxide

o   Add NaOH to the test tube.

3.    Heating

o   Heat the test tube to 60-70°C, monitoring the temperature with a thermometer.

4.    Completion of Reaction

o   When the reaction is complete, ethanol is produced in the solution.

Observation

The presence of ethanol is indicated by a sweet smell in the solution, confirming the completion of the reaction.

Questions

1.    What is an ester?

2.    Why is an ester used for laboratory alcohol preparation?