Esterification

Esterification and Polymers Conclusion

Esterification and Polymers Conclusion

In this laboratory experiment, the properties of three polymers were determined. Polymer one was opaque, jelly-like, soft, pliable, and smooth. This suggests the polymer could be a water-absorbing one, such as a hydrogel. The jelly-like and soft texture indicates a higher level of liquid. Polymer two was firmer, and its non-sticky character indicates it's not adhesive. This was the intermediate polymer. The third polymer was the most firm, rigid, and non-sticky. Its characteristics are associated with thermoplastics.

In addition, two organic esters were synthesized from two esterification reactions involving carboxylic acids and alcohols. In the first reaction, methyl salicylate (Oil of Wintergreen) was synthesized by reacting salicylic acid with methanol in the presence of sulfuric acid as follows;

H₂SO₄

C₇H₆O₃ + CH₃OH ↔ C₈H₈O₃ + H₂O

Responsible for the mint-like fragrance

In the above reaction, the change in odor can be attributed to the distinct characteristics of each of the compounds involved. The initial faint bitter aroma resembling alcohol observed before the reaction was due to methanol. After the completion of the reaction, it was observed that a minty smell emerged. The minty smell can be attributed to the synthesized methyl salicylate. This compound is commonly found in wintergreen oil and imparts a mint-like fragrance.

In the second reaction, acetic acid and 1-pentanol in the presence of sulfuric acid were used to synthesize isoamyl acetate as follows;

H₂SO₄

CH₃COOH + C₅H₁₂O ↔ C₇H₁₄O₂ + H₂O

Responsible for the banana-like scent

In this reaction, a strong vinegar odor was observed before the reaction. This was due to the acetic acid. Upon mixing, the odor grew faint, indicating the beginning of acetic acid consumption in the reaction. After the reaction, a strong banana-like scent was detected. This scent can be attributed to the formation of isoamyl acetate, which is the compound responsible for the characteristic scent in bananas.

Questions

1. Considering their unique properties, how do the industrial applications of polymers 1 and 3 differ?
2. Since the esterification reactions are reversible, what conditions could be leveraged to favor the production of products and vice versa?