Scientific Inquiry Students conduct an investigation to make esters. Students explain how Dowex resin or the sulfuric acid functions as a catalyst in the reactions. Chemical Reactions, Grades 9-12 Chemical reactions occur all around us. In this investigation, an organic acid reacts with an alcohol to form an ester and water. This type of reaction is called esterification.
Catalysts accelerate chemical reactions.
Dowex beads or concentrated sulfuric acid serves as a catalyst in this investigation, scavenging the water produced by the esterification reaction and driving the reaction towards producing an ester. Cultural preferences determine what products scientists develop and the characteristics of the products. Page maintained by Steve Gentle, Research Associate.