Living By Chemistry SECOND EDITION Unit 2: SMELLS Molecular Structure and Properties

Lesson 34: Create a Smell Ester Synthesis

ChemCatalyst 1. What are some of the starting ingredients you will be using in this lab? 2. Name something you will be doing to the chemicals in this experiment.

Key Question How can a molecule be changed into a different molecule by using chemistry?

You will be able to: successfully complete a laboratory procedure to produce sweet-smelling esters

Prepare for the Lab Work in pairs. Everyone must wear safety goggles. You will be using a hot plate (medium heat) to heat the ingredients. There should be no open flames, because several of the chemicals are flammable.

Prepare for the Lab (cont.) Remember to waft the chemicals when you want to smell them. Some of the chemicals you are using smell very bad. All uncovered bottles of alcohols and esters should be kept far away from flames, because they are extremely flammable. Concentrated sulfuric acid will also be used in the reactions. It is very caustic and can burn the skin. Baking soda is available to neutralize any spills.

Discussion Notes In this lab you used chemistry to produce new molecules with new properties. Synthesis: The creation of specific compounds by chemists through controlled chemical reactions.

Wrap Up How can a molecule be changed into a different molecule by using chemistry? A chemical reaction is the process that results in chemical change, producing new compounds with new properties. Two molecules with their own unique smells can combine to produce a new molecule with a different smell.