Answer: The drying agent is used to remove water from the mixture. In the presence of water, ethyl acetate can potentially undergo hydrolysis to produce acetic acid and ethanol.
Step-by-step explanation: By removing water from the mixture, the drying agent helps to shift the equilibrium in favor of ethyl acetate, as it reduces the concentration of one of the reactants involved in the hydrolysis reaction. Consequently, the addition of a drying agent would generally increase the concentration of ethyl acetate in the mixture.
It's worth noting that the extent of the effect will depend on the initial concentration of ethyl acetate and the concentration of water in the equilibrium mixture. Removing water from the mixture will favor the formation of ethyl acetate, potentially driving the reaction toward the products' side.
However, it's important to consider that other factors, such as the temperature and the presence of catalysts, can also influence the equilibrium and reaction rates. Without specific details about the reaction conditions and concentrations involved, it's challenging to provide a more precise assessment of the impact on ethyl acetate concentration.