Solid Alcohol & Esterification (Organic Chemistry)
In this Lab-Aid, students synthesize chemical substances that are normally found in nature.The four lab activities create a bridge from organic chemical concepts to their practical applications. Students first make their own heating "unit". A solid alcohol is ignited to provide energy for synthesizing three different esters; Ethyl acetate, Methyl salicylate (oil of winter green), and Amyl acetate (banana oil). Students are asked to describe the odor and color of each ester. In the last part of this activity, they create a molecular model of ethyl acetate using Lab-Aids® molecular model parts. Each student impregnates his worksheet with samples produced (oil of wintergreen and banana oil) from the experiment.
Details at a Glance
- 4-6 Days | 4-6 ~50 minute class periods
- 4 Activities
- Accommodates 2 classes, each with 12 groups of 2 students
- Consumables service 48 students
- Requires a water source
Scientific Concepts
• Synthesize chemical substances (esters) normally found in nature
• Produce their own heating "unit"
• Build 3-dimensional model of synthesized ester
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
- 50 Student Worksheets and Guides
- 1 Set of molecular model parts consisting of: 48 carbon atoms, 24 oxygen atoms, 96 hydrogen atoms, and 168 bonds
- 12 Aluminum sheets
- 12 Metal pots
- 12 Test tubes
- 12 Calibrated tubes
- 1 Vial of drierite
- 24 Wood splints
- 3 Bottles of Ethanol
- 2 Bottles of Galcial Acetic Acid
- 2 Bottles of Salicylic Acid
- 1 Drop control bottle of Calcium Acetate Solution
- 2 Drop control bottles of Amyl Alcohol
- 2 Drop control bottles of Dilute Sulfuric Acid
- 2 Drop control bottles of Methanol
- Not included and needed for instruction: Test tube holders.