Question

In a fischer esterification, a carboxylic acid and an alcohol combine in the presence of acid to make an ester and a molecule of water. the infrared spectrum shown below represents the substance isolated at the end of the reaction. use the infrared spectrum to identify the substance, and infer the success of the reaction.

Answer 1

Starting alcohol; unsuccessful

Step-by-step explanation:

You don't give the IR spectrum of your compound. Does it resemble the one below?

If so, you have not obtained the desired ester. The spectrum shows a broad peak at 3300 cm⁻¹ and lacks a characteristic strong, sharp ester carbonyl absorption at 1740 cm⁻¹.

A carboxylic acid would a carbonyl peak at 1710 cm⁻¹.

Alcohols generally have a strong, broad O-H stretching peak around 3300 cm⁻¹ and a strong C-O peak on the high side of 1000 cm⁻¹.

It looks like the substance is your starting alcohol and that your synthesis was not successful.