Esterification - Synthesis of Methyl Benzoate

ABSTRACT
This experiment was conducted to synthesize methyl benzoate form benzoic acid and methanol by using the Fischer esterification method. The Fischer exterification technique is utilized in the academic and industrial settings due to the simplified synthesis and safety parameters of the overall reaction. Both benzoic acid and methanol are relatively cheap to obtain from a commercial source as well as being easy to store with a relatively long shelf life. The Fischer esterification method is a fundamental and important synthesis process in training our future chemists in both commerc…