Gallate Diesters

The products from the acid catalyzed Fischer esterification of gallic acid with isopropanol (see “Fantastic Fischer” April 25, 2009) was chromatographed to purify isopropyl gallate. In addition to isopropyl gallate, another chromatographic peak was observed. This peak was collected and the NMR performed. Interestingly, this spectrum displayed three aromatic hydrogen signals at 7.207 (d), 7.153 [...]

Sludge Test

I have continued to investigate the dehydration of methylcyclohexanols this summer. Just for fun, I have neutralized the “still pot” solution with sodium bicarbonate after the distillation has taken place. In theory, the still pot solution contains phosphoric acid, unreacted alcohol, and undistilled alkenes. After the acid catalyzed dehydration of a methylcyclohexanoel, the methy t-butylether [...]