Jeff Dube and Hannah Goodale 2/20/13 Per A Condensation lab Introduction:

Background information: Not all polymers are formed from alkene-based monomers through addition reactions. Natural polymers such as proteins, starch, cellulose, and synthetic polymers, including nylon and polyester, are also formed from monomers. Unlike addition polymers, these polymers are formed with the loss of simple molecules such as water when monomer units join. Condensation reaction is the second type of polymer-making process, and the resulting product is called a condensation polymer. A common condensation polymer is called polyethylene terephthalate. This is used in soft drink containers. Condensation reactions can be used to make small molecules along with polymers. In this lab condensation reactions will be used to make esters. Several petrochemicals will be produced through the reaction of an organic acid with an alcohol in the lab. The esters that will be produce have fragrances that can be recognized, and are familiar. In the lab the fragrances will be determined in each reaction. Problem Statement: What are the unknown fragrances caused by the reactions of an organic acid with an alcohol? Hypothesis: If we add 20 drops of propanoic acid with 15 drops of ethanol and 0.4 g of benzoic acid with 20 drops of ethanol then there will be a sweet smell like pear, and a candy smell like juicy fruit because the organic acids will react with the alcohols to form petrochemicals.

Variables Independent- the different carboxylic acid added to each test. Dependent- the fragrances produced by the esters.

Procedure:

* Make sure that safety goggles, closed toe shoes, and proper clothing attire are to be worn at all times during the lab.*

1. Prepare a water bath by adding about 50 mL tap water to a 100 mL beaker. Place the beaker on a hot plate, and heat the water until it is near boiling. 2. Obtain a small, clean test tube. Place 5 drops methanol into the tube. Next add 0.1 g salicylic acid. Then add 2 drops concentrated sulfuric acid to the tube. CAUTION: Concentrated sulfuric acid will cause burns to skin or fabric. Add the acid slowly and very carefully. 3. As you dispense these reagents, note their odors. CAUTION: Do not directly sniff any reagents, some may irritate or burn nasal passages. 4. Place the test tube in the water bath prepared in step 1. 5. Using the test-tube tongs, move the test tube slowly into the water bath in a small horizontal circle. Keep the tube in the water, and do not spill the contents. Note any color changes. Continue heating for three minutes. 6. If you have not noticed an odor after three minutes, remove the test tube from the water bath, hold the test tube away from you with the tongs, and wave your hand

across the top of the test tube to waft any vapors toward your nose. Record observations regarding the odor of the product. Compare your observations with those of other class members. 7. Repeat the procedure using 20 drops propanoic acid and 15 drops ethanol 8. Repeat the procedure using 0.4 g benzoic acid and 20 drops ethanol. 9. Dispose of your products into the garbage can, and then wash the glass in the sink. 10. Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory. The control used in the lab is the first wintergreen test. Variables to be held constant would be the amount of alcohol and acids kept the same, and the amount of water used. Data and Observation Amount Carbolic Acid 5 drops Alcohol 5 drops Initial observations Vinegar smell, bad smelling, sour smell, no color change. Vinegar smell, very sour, white powder disinagrated. Sour vinegar smell Final observations Changed to a mint/ wintergreen smell. No color change. Sweet smell with the smell of alcohol. ended up being rum Really strong distinctive sweet smell. Ended up being Juicy Fruit

20 drops Propanic Acid 0.4 g benzoic acid

15 drops ethanol

20 drops ethanol

Data Analysis *Chemical equations are attached to the lab.*

Conclusion: The hypothesis that stated the petrochemical fragrances of pear and juicy fruit will be produced from the reactions created of the organic acids and alcohols was proven to be half correct. For the first test that used 20 drops of proponoic acid with 15 drops of alcohol ended up reacting to be the smell of rum instead of pear. The final observation that led rum being correct was there was a sweet smell with a tint of an alcohol smell. The second test that used 0.4 g of benzoic acid and 20 drops of ethanol ended up proving the hypothesis correct and reacted to be the smell of juicy fruit. The final observation that led to juicy fruit being correct was the smell went from a sour vinegar smell to a distinctively sweet smell like the smell of juicy fruit. The data collected can be considered reliable because the test were completed accurately, with the right number of drops for each acid and alcohol, and were heated in the water for the appropriate amount of time of three minutes. Improvements that could be made to the experiment were having more trials for each test done to prove the reliability of the conclusions made. Other than that one change the data collected can be considered valid. Questions: the questions were written out because most had to do with writing an equation.