University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (7): 250-256.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202504035

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles    

A comprehensive exploratory experiment on esterification reaction in microreactors

Mingli Gao1, Hongyan Feng1, Chenxiao Jiang2, Zihao Wang2, Weisheng Yu2   

  1. 1 National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education (University of Science and Technology of China), Hefei 230026, Anhui Province, China;
    2 Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui Province, China
  • Received:2025-04-08 Accepted:2025-06-20 Published:2026-06-27
  • Contact: Hongyan Feng E-mail:fenghy@ustc.edu.cn

PDF

168

Like

Abstract: This study presents an innovative comprehensive experiment utilizing microreactor technology to investigate the esterification reaction between acetic acid and ethanol. Conducted in student groups, the experiment systematically examines the influence of various reaction parameters—including temperature, reactant molar ratio, residence time, and catalyst concentration—on conversion efficiency. Participants acquire skills in employing proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy to monitor reaction progression and quantify conversion rates. The experimental design not only familiarizes students with advanced microreactor technology but also develops their proficiency in quantitative 1H NMR analysis, while simultaneously enhancing their analytical thinking capabilities.

Key words: Microreactor, Comprehensive exploratory experiment, Esterification reaction, Nuclear magnetic resonance technology