DISCUSSION OF RESULTS Which property of sulphuric acid makes it suitable to use as a catalyst for the preparation of esters? Why do we heat the test tube in a water bath and not directly over a flame? With reference to the characteristic smells of esters, name TWO examples where esters are used in different industries. 3.

1. Sulphuric acid is ideal as a catalyst in esterification because it is a very strong acid and a potent dehydrating agent. As a strong acid, it protonates the carbonyl oxygen of the carboxylic acid, making the carbonyl carbon more electrophilic and thus more susceptible to attack by the alcohol. Its dehydrating property also helps remove water (one of the products), driving the equilibrium toward ester formation. 2. Heating in a water bath is preferred over direct heating with a flame because the water bath provides gentle, even, and controlled heating. Direct flame can cause localized overheating, leading to breakdown of reactants or products (and even risk bumping or scorching), whereas a water bath minimizes these risks by maintaining a consistent temperature. 3. Esters are well known for their pleasant and characteristic fruity aromas, which make them valuable in different industries. For example:  • Isoamyl acetate, which smells like bananas, is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent.  • Methyl salicylate, known for its wintergreen scent, is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in products such as topical analgesics and fragrances.