Extracts from this document...

Introduction

HYPOTHESIS Determining the equilibrium constant for the hydrolysis of Ethyl Ethanoate DEFINITION Chemical equilibrium is when, in a the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. When a chemical reaction has reached equilibrium, collisions are still occurring: the reaction is now happening in each direction at the same rate. This means that reactants are being formed at the same rate as products are being formed, and this is indicated by double arrows,. At equilibrium, the reaction can lie far to the right, meaning that there are more products in existence at equilibrium, or far to the left, meaning that at equilibrium there are more reactants. The concentration of the reactants and products in a reaction at equilibrium can be expressed by an equilibrium constant, symbolised Kc Kc = [ethanoic acid][ethanol] [ethyl Ethanoate][water] CH3COOC2H5 + H2O CH3COOH + C2H5OH ETHYL ETHANOATE + WATER ETHNOIC ACID + ETHANOL CH3COOC2H5 Ester group The functional group -COOR, R here is a ethyl group C2H5. ...read more.

Middle

They are soluble in water and in organic solvents and are neutral to litmus tests. Esters are used as artificial perfumes or scents as they emit a sweet smell. Also they can be used in making artificial food flavours that are added in many edible items like ice creams, soft drinks, sweets, etc. Esters are also used as industrial solvents for making cellulose, fats, paints and varnishes and also as solvents in pharmaceutical industries. Some esters are used as softeners in plastic industries and moulding industries. Many esters have distinctive odours, which has led to their widespread use as artificial flavourings and fragrances. For example methyl butyrate smells of pineapple or apple, isopentyl acetate smells of pear or banana (it is used as the flavouring in the manufacturing of old fashioned Pear Drops) and methyl benzoate smells of fruity-ylang ylang. Ethyl formate smells of rum. Ester are also used in the biosynthesis of fats and fatty acids, and in the making of soaps. General formula of an ester. ...read more.

Conclusion

These included wearing of an over coat to protect clothes from spillages, placing a mate on work surfaces to protect it from heat as well as wearing of goggles to protect ones eyes from irritation. Also when handling hot test tubes, forceps and gloves need to be used to prevent one from burning their hands. Hands also need to washed after every experiment to wash off any excess chemicals. CONCLUSION I was able to perform the hydrolysis of Ethyl Ethanoate as well as to determine the equilibrium constant. The standard value is 0.23 and due to my results my experiment was very successful. My average Kc value was 0.22 and this was even better. The experiment was very successful. ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION For the calculations of the titrations, when determining the end point I had to be very careful not to pass the end point. Also we had to leave the reagents for a week so that they could reach equilibrium. My experiment was highly successful with all the results proving the success and accuracy of the experiment. ...read more.

This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Aqueous Chemistry section.