1A. How can we increase the yield of a Fischer
Esterification reaction (select all that apply)?
A) Add more of one of the starting materials (acid or
alcohol)
B) Add more water
C) Add more sulfuric acid
D) Remove water as the reaction proceeds
E) Use less concentrated acid
F) Remove product as it is being formed
1B. What specifically is the sulfuric acid doing to
speed the reaction?
A) Protonating the methanol to make it a better nucleophile.
B) Protonating the benzoic acid to make it a better
electrophile.
C) Removing a proton after the reaction is finished.
D) Pushing the equilibrium of the reaction towards the
products.
1C. What would you expect to happen if you refluxed your
product methyl benzoate with water in dilute sulfuric
acid?
A) The reaction would reverse and reform the starting
materials.
B) Nothing would happen.
C) This would be an easy way to purify the product.
D) The product would react with the acid and water to make a
ketone.