Preparation of

Fruit Flavors

Abstract
The experiment was conducted to synthesize the Isoamyl
acetate through the fisher esterification mechanism of
isoamyl alcohol and acetic anhydride. It was refluxed for
30 mins at a constant temperature of 80o C and was
extracted to remove the unneeded aqueous layer. The
theoretical yield that was calculated was 5.97 grams.
While, the Actual yield that was obtained was 4 to 5
grams. Around 79 to 85% percent yield was determined.

Introduction
One of the most important flavor compounds used in the
food industries is Isoamyl Acetate because of its distinctive
banana flavor. Its flavoring compound called ester is used in
many foods and drinks. Also, it is one of the major flavor
components of fermented alcoholic beverages.
The extent of this experiment is till the percent yield only.

Objectives

Synthesize isoamyl acetate

Learn the reflux technique
Perform liquid-liquid extraction
Calculate percent yield of a reaction

Esters Esters are derived from carboxylic acids. A carboxylic acid

contains the -COOH group, and in an ester the hydrogen
in this group is replaced by a hydrocarbon group of some
kind. This could be an alkyl group like methyl or ethyl, or
one containing a benzene ring like phenyl.
Organic compound formed in a reaction between an acid
and an alcohol with the elimination of water.
Esters can be formed from both organic and inorganic
acids and the process of producing an ester is called
Fischer Reaction.

Fischer reaction
When alcohols are combined with carboxylic acids in the
presence of an acid catalyst an esterification reaction
occurs to form esters and water.

Theoretical yield

(moles of the Limiting reagent) x (Molecular weight of

isoamyl acetate)

Limiting reagent = 5.0ml x 0.8092 x 1 mol x 1mol of alcohol x 130.2

ml

88.2g 1 mol of acetate mol

= 5.97 alcohol
Limiting reagent = 5.2ml x 1.08209 x 1 mol x 1mol of anhydride x 130.2
ml
= 7.175 acetic anhydride

102.1g

1 mol of acetate

mol

Reflux
Method of heating liquid so that escaping vapor is
condensed and returned to liquid.
With the use of the condenser any vapors given off are
cooled back to liquid, and fall back into the reaction
vessel. The vessel is then heated vigorously for the course
of the reaction. The purpose is to thermally accelerate the
reaction by conducting it at an elevated temperature

Boiling Chips
Boiling chips are small, insoluble, porous stones made of
calcium carbonate or silicon carbide. These stones have
pores inside which provide cavities both to trap air and to
provide spaces where bubbles of solvent vapor can form.
These bubbles ensure even boiling and prevent bumping
and boiling over and loss of the solution.

Drying Agents
Extraction with NaCl was used to remove the bulks of
water remainingin the mixture.
The salt water works to pull the water from the organic
layer to the water layer. This is because the concentrated
salt solution wants to become more dilute and because
salts have a stronger attraction to water than to organic
solvents.

Sodium Bicarbonate
used as a wash to remove any acidic impurities from a
"crude" liquid, producing a purer sample.

Anhydrous Sulfate
is used to dry the mixture from the water.