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Procedure
⚠️ Safety
- Concentrated H₂SO₄ is corrosive and mixes exothermically — add it slowly with cooling, wear goggles and gloves.
- Ethanol and the ester product are highly flammable — heat with an electric hotplate/heating mantle, never a naked flame.
- Use anti-bumping granules and never seal the apparatus — trapped vapour pressure is dangerous.
- The Na₂CO₃ wash releases CO₂ — vent the separating funnel frequently. Ester vapours are an irritant; work in good ventilation.
Lab Notebook
Follow the procedure steps...