​This experiment involved the use of Fischer Esterification to create isopentyl acetate from reacting isopentyl alcohol with acetic acid and sufluric acid.

1. Provide a balanced equation to explain the evolution of gas during the sodium bicarbonate washing step.

2. The microscale synthesis of esters often uses a Dean-Stark trap. A Dean-Stark trap separates and collects water during a reaction. How would using a Dean-Stark trap during a Fisher-Esterification affect the synthesis?

3. Esters are often used in artificial flavorings. Provide a pathway for preparing esters that smell like pineapples and pears, respectively.

a. CH3CH2CH2CHO-OCH2CH3

b. CH2CHO-OCH2CH2CH3