A student wants to prepare a sample of ethyl ethanoate in the laboratory. Describe how the student would carry out this preparation, including the reagents needed, the conditions required, and how a pure, dry sample of the ester would be obtained.

1. Mix ethanol and ethanoic acid in a round‑bottom flask.
2. Add a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid (or HCl) as catalyst.
3. Heat the mixture gently, usually by reflux or in a water bath, for about 30–60 min.
4. Cool the reaction mixture and add a saturated solution of sodium carbonate to neutralise excess acid and any unreacted alcohol.
5. Transfer the mixture to a separating funnel, separate the organic (ester) layer, wash it with water, dry over anhydrous calcium chloride (or sodium sulfate), filter and evaporate the solvent to give a pure, dry ethyl ethanoate.