Question

As mentioned, every step in the Fischer esterification mechanism is an equilibrium. As such, the reaction conditions are chosen in such a way to drive reaction to completion. a. For the reaction you have chosen, calculate the number of moles of carboxylic acid and the number of moles of alcohol given using the starting volumes given in the experiment

Answer 1

Hello your question lacks some required information attached below is the missing information

answer :

number of moles

Acetic acid = 0.061199 mole

Alcohol = 0.027320 mole

Step-by-step explanation:

The starting volumes : 2.5mL of either alcohol and 3.5mL of either acid

for the purpose of this solution I will take 2.5 mL of 1-butanol and 3.5 mL of acetic acid

mass of 1-Butanol = 2.5 mL * 0.81 g/mol = 2.025 g

∴ number of moles of 1-butanol = 2.025g / 74.12 g/mol = 0.027320 mole

mass of acetic acid = 3.5 mL * 1.05 g/mol = 3.675 g

∴ number of moles of Acetic acid = 3.675 g/ 60.05 g/mol = 0.061199 mole

Reaction equation

CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-OH + CH3-COOH + H+ (cat) ↔ CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-CO-CH3 + H2O