[ernest1039401]

Hi guys! I was just wondering, when one is conducting Fischer Esterification, why does the resulting solution need to be neutralized? I am currently producing benzocaine from p-aminobenzoic acid and ethanol, but the reaction mechanisms I find online do not seem to include a base used to neutralize it. From some research, I have seen that it is required to neutralize the acid catalyst, and some other sources say that it is needed to turn one of the benzocaine amine salt intermediates insoluble, but I cannot identify which one. The best mechanism I have found is https://studylib.net/doc/6942212/the-fischer-esterification-of-benzocaine . Thanks in advance!!

[chenbeier]

Then read it again. They use sodiumbicarbonate to rise the pH to 8.

[ernest1039401]

The sources give limited information. I have no idea which amine salt is needed to be made insoluble, or why this needs to be the case in order to achieve benzocaine.