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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2009  > January  >
In the Laboratory
An Esterification Kinetics Experiment That Relies on the Sense of Smell
Deborah C. Bromfield-Lee and Maria T. Oliver-Hoyo
Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
Cover
January 2009
Vol. 86 No. 1
p. 82

Abstract
This experiment involves an esterification synthesis to study reaction kinetics where students explore these topics utilizing the sense of smell rather than the traditional approach of using spectroscopic methods. Students study the effects of various factors including the concentration of the carboxylic acid and the amounts of the catalyst or alcohols added. The kinetics in relation to the molecular structure is studied by changing the chain lengths and branching of alcohols or the carboxylic acids and inferring the effects on rates of the reaction from the rates of ester detection. Since many esters have naturally occurring aromas that are pleasant and easily recognized, this experiment studies esterification kinetics using the sense of smell to detect the emergence of the ester aroma formed during the reaction. Feedback from students strongly suggests their interest in the experiment as they discovered that their sense of smell could be used as an analytical tool.
Supplement
Experimental protocols for the students and detailed notes for the instructors including results and answers to post- and pre-lab questions.
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Citation
Bromfield-Lee, Deborah C.; Oliver-Hoyo, Maria T. J. Chem. Educ. 2009, 86, 82.
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Keywords
Esters; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning; Kinetics; Laboratory Instruction; Organic Chemistry; Second-Year Undergraduate; Synthesis
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
12/11/2008
12/21/2008
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Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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