Final answer:
To synthesize ethyl butanoate from butanal and ethanol, a Fischer esterification reaction is performed with an acid catalyst, followed by purification of the product.
Step-by-step explanation:
The synthesis of ethyl butanoate from butanal (CH3CH2CH2CHO) and ethanol (CH3CH2OH) can be achieved through a condensation reaction known as Fischer esterification. Ethyl butanoate is an ester with the formula CH3CH2CH2COOCH2CH3. The process involves reacting butanal with ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst, typically sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, to form ethyl butanoate and water.
Step-by-Step Synthesis
Mix butanal and ethanol in a reaction vessel.
Add an acid catalyst to the mixture to promote esterification.
Heat the mixture under reflux to allow the reaction to proceed, forming ethyl butanoate and water as byproducts.
Once the reaction is complete, the mixture is cooled and the products are separated, typically using a separating funnel to collect the ester layer.
The ethyl butanoate can then be purified by distillation.
The reaction is an equilibrium process, so the removal of water from the reaction mixture can help drive the reaction towards the formation of more ester, increasing the yield of ethyl butanoate.