CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Organic synthesis
A student plans to prepare the ester isopropyl ethanoate by refluxing propan-2-ol with ethanoic acid in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid.
Describe the type of reaction taking place and the reagent used to carry it out. Suggest the structure and name of the most likely by-product formed in this reaction, and explain why this by-product forms. In your answer, state the role of the concentrated sulfuric acid.
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.
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