I did a ester lab not too long ago I was wondering why we submerged the ester in cold water before we started to waft the smell towards us.

1 answer

This was to ensure that the ester was properly formed as esterification is a reversible process. If it were still hot and you tried to waft the smell, chances are that the backward reaction could have been taking place and any esters formed would have been reconverting back into the acid and alcohol. If you leave it to cool however, since the reaction can only take place in heat, the esters would not be reconverted and you would be able to get a more accurate smell.
Similar Questions
    1. answers icon 1 answer
  1. hi,I am wondering if benzyl acetate is polar or nonpolar? because it has a non polar benzene ring but also it has the ester bit
    1. answers icon 1 answer
  2. why the yield of ester is relatively low?suggest modifications which would improve the purity of ester?
    1. answers icon 1 answer
    1. answers icon 6 answers
more similar questions