Abstract:

The conventional approach to preparing esters, as described in textbooks, involves the dehydration of carboxylic acids and alcohols, typically catalyzed by concentrated sulfuric acid. In this study, we present an innovative method that capitalizes on the self-catalytic properties of oxalic acid, enabling esterification without the need for any additional catalyst, particularly concentrated sulfuric acid. This improved reaction shows numerous advantages, including milder reaction conditions, shorter reaction times, straightforward post-treatment, and excellent reproducibility. Compared to the use of concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst, as outlined in standard textbooks, this enhanced experiment promotes greener, safer, and more cost-effective practices, instilling in students the principles of green chemistry, safety consciousness, environmental responsibility, and social awareness.

Key words: Oxalic acid, Normal butanol, Autocatalytic esterification, Water separator, Water-carrying agent