Why is the esterification reaction of formic acid and isopropyl alcohol hard to do?

Question

HIX Tutor · Accepted Answer

undefined The reaction is difficult because formic acid and isopropyl alcohol do not easily combine to form the ester due to their chemical properties. The reaction conditions must be carefully controlled, and it requires a catalyst like sulfuric acid to help the reaction happen.

Ella Allen · Answer

Are you sure that this reaction is hard to do?

#(H_3C)_2CHOH+HC(=O)OHstackrel(H^+, Delta)rarr(H_3C)_2CHO(O=)CH# The product has a normal boiling point of #68.2# #""^@C#, whereas formic acid has a normal boiling point of #100.2# #""^@C#. The other starting material, isopropyl alcohol, has a normal boiling point of #82.6# #""^@C#. There should be little difficulty in purifying the ester by distillation as the volatile fraction....

Zoe Alexander · Answer

undefined The esterification reaction between formic acid and isopropyl alcohol is difficult due to the presence of a relatively stable hydrogen bond in formic acid, hindering the formation of the ester bond. Additionally, isopropyl alcohol is less reactive compared to other alcohols, making the reaction proceed sluggishly.