An Azeotropic Adapter Designed for Small-Scale Esterifications Using Solvents Lighter than Water

Abstract

A glass apparatus has been designed for performing small-scale esterifications in solvents such as benzene. To prevent formation of solvent/water emulsion, water released is trapped by an active molecular sieve which is located outside the reaction mixture. The adapter can also be used for reactions under inert atmosphere. Two application examples are given.