Question

Yes...another calculation problem.

Rxn:

1ml isopentyl alcohol + 1.5ml glacial acetic acid + 3 drops sulfuric acid=> isopentyl acetate

to calculate the theoretical yield..

I know that the acetic acid is in excess but how would I calculate the theoretical yield?
is it just find moles acetic acid (know excess) and then since I do know that the ratio is 1:1 then I can just find theoretical yield directly?

Another question is...

<b>1) What catalyst is used in the experiment?</b>
I say it's the sulfuric acid.

<b>2) since one method of formation of ester is to add excess acetic acid. What is another way to form the ester which will favor the formation fo ester</b>

I said that you could add excess isopentyl alcohol

<b>3) Why is it easier to remove excess acetic acid from products than excess isopentyl alcohol?</b>

No idea about this question.

Thank you

Answer 1

Is the last question with the "why is it easier to remove excess acetic acid from products than excess isopentyl alcohol?"

because I can just use sodium bicarbonate to remove the acid?

Is there a method to remove the isopentyl alcohol though?