Fischer Estrification Equilibrium
I need some help answering questions on Fischer Esterification equilibrium, where in my lab I am using the reagents of 2-phenylacetic acid and ethanol:
The equilibrium of Fischer esterification reactions in general is slightly towards product formation. The equilibrium can be made more favorable for product formation by all of the following except:
a. Increasing the concentration of the 2-phenylacetic acid
b. Increasing the concentration of ethanol
c. Removing water from the reaction mixture
d. Increasing the concentration of H2SO4
e. Removing ethyl-2-phenylacetate is formed
https://brainmass.com/chemistry/acid-and-base-organic-chemistry/fischer-estrification-equilibrium-59583
Solution Preview
The only choice that will not push the equilibrium to the right (to the product side) is adding more acid. Why not? Because the acid is acting only as a catalyst. It doesn't appear in the ...
Solution Summary
This solution uses Le Chatelier's Principle to determine how the equilibrium of the Fischer Esterification reaction can be shifted to favor the product formation.