Preparation of Cyclohexyl Acetate─An Experiment in Green Organic Chemistry

This work builds upon the traditional isoamyl acetate synthesis experiment to design a green organic chemistry experiment for preparing cyclohexyl acetate. Acetic acid and cyclohexanol serve as reactants, and esterification is performed using a Dean–Stark reflux method to remove water efficiently. Cyclohexene, a byproduct from a prior teaching experiment, is employed as a cosolvent and azeotropic dehydrating agent, replacing the toxic solvent toluene. This strategy not only promotes the reuse of organic waste but also delivers excellent experimental outcomes. By integrating green chemistry principles with conventional teaching experiments and leveraging comparative learning, students gain a deeper understanding of chemical equilibrium and proficiency in Dean–Stark techniques. The experiment reinforces green chemistry awareness while maintaining core educational objectives. Additionally, this design fosters innovative and exploratory thinking, cultivates environmental consciousness, and achieves significant pedagogical impact.