# 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.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 4.8 Organic synthesis and analysis · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Names ethanol and ethanoic acid as the reactants (reagents)
2. States that a (concentrated) acid catalyst is used — sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid
3. States that the mixture is heated (gently / under reflux / in a water bath)
4. States that sodium carbonate (solution) is added to remove excess acid (and alcohol)
5. States that the ester layer is separated (using a separating funnel) and dried using a drying agent such as anhydrous calcium chloride / anhydrous sodium sulfate

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-wants-to-prepare-a-066ad5e1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.