When preparing an ester, State and explain two reasons for a lower than expected yield.

Question

anonymous · Answer

it know it's got to do with equilibrium reaction and evaporation, but im just not sure on how to explain it. help would be great

chmvijay · Answer

Esterification is equilibrium reaction hence always yield will be less!!! complete conversion of reactant is difficult !!

anonymous · Answer

okay thanks!

abb0t · Answer

If you are mixing the organic acid and the alcohol together with a small amount of acid catalyst and heating, the trouble is that the acid also causes the reverse reaction as well, so unless you have a way to drive the reaction to the right, you won't get a good yield (depends on the nature of the reactants and conditions used).

anonymous · Answer

thank you!