[marns99]

Hi everyone,

In my lab we are doing an experiment to synthesize an ester, butyl acetate. I have to make my own procedure. To test the purity, I have the option of doing a melting point analysis or refractive index. Which should I use? I was thinking refractive index because my product is liquid. If I wanted to do melting point, would I need to change my procedure?

For context, my procedure is:
1. synthesis- reflux acetic acid, butanol, sulphuric acid
2. extraction- with water twice, then sodium bicarbonate
3. purify- simple distillation

Thank you!

[Babcock_Hall]

Have you looked up the melting point of butyl acetate?