Preparing an Ester – Required Practical – Unit 4 – IGCSE Chemistry

Preparing an Ester – Required Practical – Unit 4 – IGCSE Chemistry
Ethanol + Ethanoic Acid → Ethyl Ethanoate (Triple Only)

This Synapse Science resource supports Required Practical 4.43C from the Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Triple specification. Students carry out a condensation reaction between ethanol and ethanoic acid, using concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst, to produce a sample of the ester ethyl ethanoate.

The practical reinforces understanding of esterification, functional groups, and the role of catalysts in organic reactions.

TOPICS COVERED – SPECIFICATION POINTS

• 4.43C: Required Practical — Prepare a sample of an ester such as ethyl ethanoate
• Reinforces points 4.38C–4.42C: Esters, naming, formation, and physical properties

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Student practical worksheet with method, results table, and structured analysis questions
• Teacher & technician notes with model answers and MSDS guidance
• Full method: heating under reflux (water bath), neutralisation with sodium carbonate
• Built-in observations section and safety icons for classroom readiness

KEY FEATURES

• Concise and student-friendly layout
• Includes background chemistry, apparatus list, and conclusion prompts
• Safety-focused (fume cupboard, corrosive acids, flammable reagents)
• Model answer for analysis section included
• Matches Synapse Science formatting and is ideal for practical notebooks

KEYWORDS
Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry, Required Practical, Esters, Ethyl Ethanoate, Ethanoic Acid, Ethanol, Sulfuric Acid, Esterification, Organic Chemistry, Triple Science, Unit 4, Practical Worksheet, Synapse Science