A greener approach for esterification reactions

CHED 413

Ingrid Montes, imontes@uprrp.edu and Javier Escudero, saiyan_of_time@yahoo.com. Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, P.O Box 23346, San Juan, PR 00931-3346
Esterification reactions have been thoroughly discussed in the literature due to their importance in the synthesis of industrial and pharmacologically important compounds. Most procedures emphasize the Fischer esterification reaction. Furthermore, each day, chemistry focuses more on the use of new, environmentally-friendly procedures for the synthesis of these compounds. This presentation describes an experiment using the guided-inquiry approach for the organic chemistry laboratory, in which students synthesize esters by means of a Fischer reaction using a solid support (Amberlyst-15). This simple experiment allows the student to apply several of the green chemistry principles, such as the use of a solid support to eliminate solvents. The products are analyzed to determine purity and yield so that a sound conclusion on the reaction efficacy can be reached. Work supported by UPR-AMP and Pfizer Pharmaceutical.