[orangbulu]

1. How does acid function as a catalyst
2. How do we maximize the yield for a fisher esterification process

Thank you

[Sev]

1. Write mechanism
2. Le Chatelier

[orangbulu]

Ah i forgot to note that i cant change the concentration of the starting materials

[Kryolith]

Use a water separator.

[macman104]

Name of the water separator - Dean Stark Trap

[Kryolith]

Name of the water separator - Dean Stark Trap

Never heard of it. Thanks for the information. 

[sjb]

Name of the water separator - Dean Stark Trap

Well, you don't *have* to use a Dean Stark, though this is probably most common. I've seen examples using molecular sieves (though both acid and alcohol were rather bulky in this case, so unlikely to be trapped). Possibly a drying agent like MgSO₄ might work doubly here as a Lewis acid and a dessicant?

S