Pro Forma Laboratory Report

Name: Soundarya Dasaramoole Date: 02/02/23

Title of Practical: Making Esters

Aim: To prepare methyl-salicylate ester by reacting methanol and salicylic acid using
concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst.

Equipment/Chemicals
 1 x Methanol solution (1 cm depth)
 1 x Spatula of Salicylic acid powder
 1 x Drops of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (20 ml) (1 molL-1)
 1 x Test tube
 1 x Beaker (50 ml)
 1 x Test tube racket
 1 x Spatula
 1 x Plastic pipette (3 ml)
 1 x Wet paper towel
 1 x rubber band
 1 x Water bath

Results (Raw Data/Observations)

 No reaction when added acid and alcohol in the test tube (Salicylic acid and
methanol)
 A wet paper towel was wrapped around the test tube and secured with a rubber
band with a stopper on top of the test tube.
 The test tube was then placed in the hot water bath for 10 min.
 After ten minutes we observe the solution level has decreased and there is
condensation around the test tube.
 When the ester solution was added to the sodium hydrogen carbonate (1 molL-1)
in a beaker and gave out a chemical reaction: - Cloudy at first
- Oil being formed around the
beaker.
 The Ester methyl-salicylate gave a wintergreen oil-like fragrance.

Actual observation:

 Following the Google search the ester methyl-salicylate is known to be used in

balm or ointments which gives a wintergreen oil and minty fragrance to it.
Conclusions

In conclusion, the aim was carried out and the ester methyl-salicylate was made when
reacted with methanol and salicylate acid. And the ester gave a wintergreen oil and minty
fragrance.

Discussion Including Sources of Error

 When adding the powder after the alcohol in the test tube some of the powder gets
left in the test tube which did not dissolve well in the solution. To prevent this add
powder first and then add alcohol gradually to give a good mixture.
 Repeating the experiment a few times to have a good understanding of the
experiment and achieve reliable results
 Experimenting while having the chemicals used on larger scales would be easier to
find out the fragrance of the ester.