Show how Fischer esterification might be used to form the following esters. In each case, suggest a method for driving the reaction to completion.

(a) methyl salicylate

(b) methyl formate (bp 32$°$C)

(c) ethyl phenylacetate

Fischer esterification is a type of organic reaction used for converting carboxylic acid into ester in the presence of an acid catalyst and excess alcohol.The ester formation is done along with water.

When salicylate is treated with a methanol solvent in the presence of a strong acid catalyst, methyl salicylate is formed along with water. The water is removed by distillation.

Synthesis of methyl salicylate

When formic acid is treated with a methanol solvent in the presence of a strong acid catalyst, methyl formate is formed along with water. Methyl formate can be removed by distillation.

Synthesis of methyl formate

When phenylacetic acid is treated with an ethanol solvent and a strong acid catalyst, ethyl phenylacetate is formed along with water. This water is removed by distillation or molecular sieves.

Synthesis of ethyl phenylacetate