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Assignment 4B: Laboratory techniques and their application £9.16
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Assignment 4B: Laboratory techniques and their application
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This is Btec Applied Science Unit 4 Assignment 4B: Laboratory techniques and their application which was awarded a distinction. This is an example of a Distinction level assignment, and you may use it as a guide to help you achieve a distinction and finish this assignment.

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  • February 1, 2025
  • 15
  • 2024/2025
  • Essay
  • Unknown
  • A+

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Assignment 4B: Laboratory techniques and their application

I am a lab technician working in the research and development department of a cosmetics company. One of
the products I made with the company is nail polish remover. The nail polish remover contains ethyl ethanoate.
I am going to be investigating how to produce and test the purity of ethyl ethanoate so that the company can
make it efficiently. I will produce a sample of ethyl ethanoate and test its purity. I will then compare my
laboratory technique with the industrial process used by the cosmetics company to manufacture ethyl
ethanoate on a large scale.

What is Ethyl Ethanoate, what is it used for?

Ethyl ethanoate, sometimes referred to as ethyl acetate, is a fruity-smelling, colourless liquid that is a versatile
organic compound. It is an ester which is an organic material generated by the condensation reaction of an
organic acid and an alcohol it is frequently utilised in a variety of commercial and industrial applications. It is
made from ethanol and acetic acid. Its main application is as a solvent, where it is valued for its affordability,
pleasant smell, and capacity to dissolve a variety of substances. Because ethyl ethanoate is fast-evaporating
and has a low toxicity, it is used as a solvent in the manufacturing of adhesives, paints, varnishes, and lacquers.
It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for the extraction and formulation of drugs. Ethyl ethanoate is
used in perfumes and fragrances as well as in the food sector as a flavour enhancer. Its pleasant aroma and
versatility as a solvent make it a valuable ingredient in many products, which adds to its broad use in everyday
application and manufacturing.

Word Equation and Balanced Equation for the reaction between Ethanoic acid and Ethanol

Conc H2SO4
CH3 COOH + CH3 CH2OH CH3COOCH2CH3 + H2O

Concentrated Sulphuric Acid
Ethanoic acid +Ethanol Ethyl Ethanoate + Water

Making Ethyl Ethanoate (Ester)

Step 1: Reflux

What is Reflux and how does it work?

The process of refluxing involves heating organic substances for a predetermined period of time while retaining
all volatile substances to the atmosphere. This is accomplished by continuously utilising a condenser to cool the
vapour produced back into liquid form. In both industrial and scientific laboratory distillations, reflux is
frequently used. But it's also employed in chemistry to provide long-duration energy to reactions.

, Method for Reflux of Ethyl Ethanoate

Equipment

 Ethanoic Acid
 Ethanol
 Concentrated Sulphuric acid
 Anti bumping granules
 50cm3 Round-bottom flask
 Reflux condenser
 10cm3 measuring cylinder
 25cm3 measuring cylinder
 250cm3 beaker
 Heating mantle
 Cooling water source
 Clamps and stands
 Joint clips
 Lab safety equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coat, etc.)
Method for the Reflux of Ethyl Ethanoate

1. First gather all of your reflux equipment and then begin setting it up, make sure to stop leaks by ensuring
that all the joints are tightly sealed with a joint clip.
2. Add a few anti bumping granules into the 50cm3 round bottomed flask in order to reduce the size of the
bubbles, which will be produced, when boiling the solution, his will make the reaction less intense.
3. Then in a fume cupboard add 10cm3 of ethanol into a measuring cylinder and 12 cm 3 of ethanoic acid into
another measuring cylinder and then gently transfer it inside the 50 cm 3 round-bottom flask.
4. Next slowly add 2 cm3 of concentrated sulphuric acid into the round-bottom flask.
5. Then place the round-bottom flask containing the Ethyl Ethanoate onto the heating mantle. The Reflux
condenser should be fastened to the top of the flask, and it should be connected to a water supply for
cooling.
6. Then gradually begin heating the round-bottom flask. In order to maintain a gradual and controlled boiling
point, adjust the heating mantle.
7. The Ethyl ethanoate will start to evaporate as the temperature rises. After then, the condensed liquid will
return to the reaction flask. This cycle prevents the volatile components from being lost and allows the
reaction to happen continuously.
8. Continue the reflux gently for 15 – 20 minutes, or as long as needed until the intended reaction has taken
place.
9. After the reflux has finished, make sure to turn the heating mantle off in order to allow the apparatus to
cool down. Then disconnect the condenser carefully and collect the refluxed product from the round
bottom flask.

Key Points

The Reflux of Ethyl ethanoate is accomplished by first assembling reflux apparatus by connecting a reflux
condenser to a round-bottom flask, then precisely measuring the ethanol and, ethanoic acid if required,
concentrated sulphuric acid. When carrying out the experiment you need to ensure that there is a continuous
reaction cycle, this can be done by gradually heating the flask while keeping an eye out for any bubbles

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