Lab 14: Ester Synthesis

Summary 
In this lab we combined substances in chemical reactions and observed the change in smell of these new compounds. This, we learned, was due to the changes experienced by certain molecules when they interact with other molecules through the chemical reaction synthesis.
In the lab we had thee vial, each containing a different reaction that we had to set up. We were told to note the smell coming from the vial both before and after the reaction had taken place; these reactions involved the substances isopentyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, sulfuric acid, and glacial acetic acid.

Photo 

Vials reacting in the cups of warm water. 

Bottles of reactants for these experiments.

Smells We Created 

Vial I: Banana Laffy Taffy

Vial E: Nail polish Remover 

Vial M: Peppermint/ Mint 

Data Table 

Questions #1-3
1. Compare the odors of the three mixtures after heating compared to the odors of the starting materials. How are they different? 
In the beginning, the contents of the three vials all smelled distinctly of pungent vinegar, with some alcohol. However, after heating each vial had distinctive smells that all had a hint of sweetness, seemingly unrelated to the original unpleasant stench of vinegar or chlorine. One vial smelled like banana Laffy Taffy-- a sweet and sugary small. However, another vial smelled like nail polish remover, which is distinctly less pleasant and more pungent to the nose. Finally, the last vial smelled strongly of mint, which has a cool, sharp odor.

2. Based on the smell of the mixtures after heating, what functional group must be present in the final molecules that were produced? Draw it. 
    Based on the smell of the mixtures after heating, the functional group of ester molecules must be present in the product; most of the products had a sweet tang to the scent, which may indicate the presence of this functional group.

3. Were the new compounds easily identified as a specific fragrance like apple or banana? In the case where a specific fragrance was detected, how does the odor compare to the natural fragrance? 
Yes, yo us the new compounds were easily identified; all three were both strong and distinct in their scents, which made it an easy task to label them. The odor was remarkably similar to the natural fragrance; however, if Vial I was intended to be banana, the fragrance had a much sweeter and more manufactured smell to it, which may have led us to classify it as a banana candy rather than a true banana. Vial E was distinctly nail polish--we did not hesitate in declaring it nail polish. Vial M too was simple to identify due to the distinctive smell of mint; this smell too seemed accurate to the real thing.

Challenge Question