The acid catalyzed esterification of 1-butanol is a reversible
reaction with a with a keq ≈ 4. If equal molar
quantities of 1-butanol and acetic acid were allowed to react the
theoretical yield at equilibrium would be about 67%. How are
the reaction conditions in the lab set up to take advantage of
LeChatelier’s principle to ensure maximum conversion to ester
product. Note: be specific, addition of reactant
or removal of product are not a sufficient answer.