the goal:

Learning how to prepare ester.

Materials and tools:

 Electric heater - Glass cup - Test tube - Salicylic acid - Methanol - Sulfuric acid - Cotton - Spoon

Steps:

1. Fill the glass with water and heat it on the electric heater to the mid-level temperature.

2. Weigh 1.5 grams of salicylic acid and place it in a test tube.

3. Add 3 ml of distilled water and 4 ml of methanol to the test tube.

4. Add drops of concentrated sulfuric acid to the test tube.

5. Place the test tube in the water bath for five minutes.

6. Empty the contents of the test tube into the cotton-lined Petri dish and observe the emanating odor.

Note:

We notice the emergence of a distinct odor that resembles the smell of fruit. 

Conclusion:

We conclude that esters are chemically formed from methanol.

Experiment for yourself with Vlaby Virtual lab platform