A Comparison of Acid Catalysts in Fischer Esterification Reactions

Julianne Chen

Using different acid catalysts in Fischer esterification reactions, different yields from alcohols and carboxylic acids are obtained. With an emphasis on Dowex ion exchange resins, simple Fischer esterification reactions are compared to Dowex resin reactions in terms of yield and sustainability.  Different products are analyzed through gas chromatography and IR spectroscopy.

Major: 
Materials Science and Engineering
Exhibition Category: 
Physical Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
Berks
Faculty Sponsor: 
James Karlinsey
Poster Number: 
51037