Hydrolysis of methyl benzoate
The equation for the overall hydrolysis of the ester methyl benzoate to benzoic acid is shown at the right. Because the reaction above is slow at room temperature, it must be carried out under reflux.
On completion of this activity you should be able to
 | 1 KOH(aq),heat 2 H2SO4(aq) |
 | + | CH3OH |
On completion of this activity you should be able to
- assemble the apparatus used to do carry out the reaction under reflux
- describe the principles of the reflux technique
- identify any water-insoluble reactants
- identify how differences in solubility are used to separate the desired product from excess reagent and the co-product of the reaction
This is often referred to as the "work-up" of the reaction.
- apply the principles of crystallisation to purify the product by crystallisation
This technique is used for solids like benzoic acid, one of the products of this reaction.
- calculate the yield of the reaction
Time restrictions prohibit thorough drying of your recrystallized product; therefore you will calculate the yield of a typical reaction before coming to the lab.