Question

How would you synthesize the following esters?

a. n-octylacetate

b. ${\mathbf{\text{CH}}}_{\mathbf{\text{3}}}{\mathbf{\text{CH}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}{\mathbf{\text{CH}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}{\mathbf{\text{CH}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}{\mathbf{\text{CH}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}{\mathbf{\text{CH}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}{\mathbf{\text{O - CCH}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}{\mathbf{\text{CH}}}_{\mathbf{\text{3}}}$

Short answer

(a) We will use acetic acid and-octanol to form octylacetate.

(b) To form this ester we will use propionic acid and -hexanol

Step-by-step solution

Step 1:To synthesize the n-octylacetate ester

Carboxylic acid reacts with alcohol to form an ester. The reaction is shown in the picture below. Hydroxylic group (blue oxygen atom) reacts with the carbon atom from carboxylic group forming the bond. In addition, a water molecule is formed.

Hence We will use acetic acid and -octanol to form octylacetate

To synthesize the ester

Ester molecule can be formed using carboxylic acid and alcohol. The blue oxygen from alcohol reacts with the carboxylic carbon atom and they form the bond. Simultaneously, water is eliminated. Propionic acid and 1-hexanol are used to form n-hexylpropionate.

Hence To form this ester we will use propionic acid and -hexanol