Solved: The mechanism of the Fischer esterification was controversial until 1938, when
Chapter 0, Problem 20-16(choose chapter or problem)
The mechanism of the Fischer esterification was controversial until 1938, when Irving Roberts and Harold Urey of Columbia University used isotopic labeling to follow the alcohol oxygen atom through the reaction. A catalytic amount of sulfuric acid was added to a mixture of 1 mole of acetic acid and 1 mole of special methanol containing the heavy isotope of oxygen. After a short period, the acid was neutralized to stop the reaction, and the components of the mixture were separated.
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