The Fischer esterification synthesis of isopentyl acetate, shown below, is perfo

Question

The Fischer esterification synthesis of isopentyl acetate, shown below, is performed in a large excess of acetic acid. At the conclusion of the reaction, the reaction mixture is washed with water and then aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. Select the reason for these washing steps 0H2SO4 isopentyl alcoholacetic acid isopentyl acetate The washing steps increase the yield of isopentyl acetate. The washing steps are necessary to extract isopentyl acetate into the aqueous layer. The washing steps are necessary to extract isopentyl O Oalcohol into the aqueous layer. The washing steps are necessary to remove acetic acid and sulfuric acid from the reaction mixture.

Explanation / Answer

Your answer is right. Since you added large excess of acetic acid and catalytic amount of H2SO4 those acids should be removed. Hence you are adding mild base NaHCO3 and removing those acids. if you add strong again ester will cleave to acid and alcohol

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