The Smell of an Ester - Chemistry Experiments - page 4

2

hot mitts

2 science notebook

Safety Note

Goggles must be worn at all times during this
experiment. Use extreme caution when working with strong acids and
flammable alcohols. The lab should be completed in a well-ventilated
area. Use a fume hood for the entire experiment if possible. Store the
concentrated acids under the fume hood. Be cautious when heating
chemicals, as they may splatter and heating may cause glassware to
shatter. Use hot mitts when handling hot objects. please review and
follow the safety guidelines at the beginning of this volume.

Procedure
1. Examine Data Table 1 which lists esters, their ingredients, and
their scents. Select four esters that you would like to create in this
experiment.
2. Copy Data Table 2 in your science notebook. On the data table,
record the esters you plan to make. Also write down the acid and
alcohol that you will use for each ester.
3. Fill a large beaker about half full of water. Place the beaker on a
hot plate and bring the water to a temperature between 176 to 194
degrees Fahrenheit ( ° F) (80 to 90 degrees Celsius [ ° C]). Maintain
this temperature throughout the lab. Do not allow the water to reach
the boiling point.
4. Label four test tubes 1 through 4. These numbers will correspond
with the esters, acids, and alcohols you recorded on Data Table 2.
5. Add 1 ml of the appropriate acid to test tube 1. Be sure to
avoid mixing up the pipettes in the reagent beakers to prevent
cross contamination. (If the acids are in the solid form, add 1
microspatula scoop.)
6. Add 1 ml of the appropriate alcohol to the same test tube. (Be sure
not to mix up the pipettes in the reagent beakers.)
7. While holding the test tube about 12 inches (in.) (30.5 centimeters
[cm]) from your face, gently wave your hand over the top of each test
tube toward your nose until you can smell the ester (see Figure 2).
(Do not place your nose directly above the test tube.) Describe the
scent in your science notebook.