The method of ethanol to ethyl acetate
There is now a reaction of ethanol to ethyl acetate, which is a very important way in organic synthesis.

To achieve this reaction, suitable conditions and catalysts are often required. Usually, concentrated sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst, and ethanol and acetic acid can be esterified under heating. The reaction formula is as follows: $CH_ {3} CH_ {2} OH + CH_ {3} COOH\ underset {\ triangle} {\ overset {concentrated sulfuric acid} {\ rightleftharpoons}} CH_ {3} COOCH_ {2} CH_ {3} + H_ {2} O $.

Concentrated sulfuric acid has the dual functions of catalysis and water absorption in this reaction. Catalysts can accelerate the reaction rate and make the reaction easier to achieve chemical equilibrium; water absorbers can remove the water generated by the reaction and promote the balance to move in the direction of forming ethyl acetate, so as to increase the yield of ethyl acetate.

When reacting, pay attention to the heating temperature. If the temperature is too high, ethanol and acetic acid are volatile and escape, and concentrated sulfuric acid may dehydrate and carbonize ethanol, affecting the formation of ethyl acetate; if the temperature is too low, the reaction rate is slow, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of product in a short period of time.

In addition, the reaction device is also exquisite. A reflux device is often used to allow volatile ethanol and acetic acid to be condensed and refluxed into the reaction system, continuing to participate in the reaction and reducing the loss of raw materials. After the reaction is completed, the resulting mixture contains ethyl acetate, unreacted ethanol and acetic acid, and catalyst sulfuric acid. To obtain pure ethyl acetate, a series of separation and purification steps are required, such as liquid separation, washing, and drying. Washing with saturated sodium carbonate solution first can neutralize acetic acid, dissolve ethanol, and reduce the solubility of ethyl acetate, which is conducive to layered liquid separation. After drying with a desiccant such as anhydrous magnesium sulfate to remove residual moisture, pure ethyl acetate can finally be obtained.

The reaction of ethanol to ethyl acetate plays an important role in chemical production and organic synthesis experiments. Mastering its reaction principle and operation skills is of great significance to the practice of related fields.