[Fla27]

Why shouldn't you use ethyl acetate as a solvent in the recrystallization of alcohols, especially when traces of acids are present ?

I cant seem to find an answer for this question and I have searched it over the internet but can't find anything. My books also doesn't give any solutions or hints about the questions.

[discodermolide]

This is because you will get an ester exchange happening. Called transesterification.

[Fla27]

Thank You very much

[Borek]

I cant seem to find an answer for this question and I have searched it over the internet but can't find anything. My books also doesn't give any solutions or hints about the questions.

That's because it is pretty obvious to anyone knowing what esterification is and how it works. "Especially when traces of acids are present" is a bold hint.