Discussion

To improve the results of the lab, both the methods of the lab and analysis of the product should be improved on.  First, the reaction turned black indicating something did not react as expected.  This could be due to the rapid heating of the reaction.  As a result, the temperature at which the reaction proceeds should be lowered.  In addition, less sulfuric acid should initially be added to the reaction.  Sulfuric acid is only a catalyst, but it is also a volatile substance.  By starting with two drops instead of four, it allows the reaction to gently start.  After the reaction has proceeded and if there is little water collection, then more sulfuric acid could be added to increase the rate of the reaction.  In addition, a longer reflux time should be utilized to ensure the complete reaction of the reagents.  Finally, during the analysis of the results infrared spectrometry should be done of both starting materials so the final product has something to be compared to.  Both carboxylic acids and alcohols have overlap with the presence of an OH broad band and carboxylic acids and esters are close together.  By doing a comparative analysis on all three compounds, a better supported result can be concluded.  Both these alterations can improve the yield of the experiment and the analysis of the pure product.