Preparation of butyl acetate

To make butyl acetate, first gather the required materials, including n-butanol, glacial acetic acid, complex sulfuric acid as a catalyst, and various instruments, such as flasks, condensers, and separation funnels.

In the flask, measure an appropriate amount of n-butanol and glacial acetic acid, slowly drop in sulfuric acid, and stir well. The frame flask is placed on the heat source, and a condenser is connected to make it flow back. In the meantime, the fire should be stable and not too intense to prevent the reactants from escaping.

Over time, the reaction gradually finishes. When it is slightly cold, pipette into the separation funnel. First wash it with water to remove soluble impurities, then wash it with sodium bicarbonate solution to neutralize unreacted acid. Then rinse it with water several times until the liquid is neutral.

Separate the lower ester layer, dry it with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and remove its moisture. Then, move it to a distillation flask, and then distill it to obtain butyl acetate. Looking at its color, it should be clear and transparent, smell its gas, and have a unique fragrance. The method of making it depends on abiding by the procedures and controlling the temperature to get a good product.