The reaction mechanism of the Fischer esterification is detailed in the experimental document. Be sure that you know and understand EVERY step of this mechanism. (2) In this experiment, you are using the carboxylic acid (acetic acid) in excess. What technique is used to remove the excess following the reaction

The excess Carboxylic acid, acetic acid in a Fischer product is removed by adding 5% of sodium bicarbonate solution.

Explanation:

It should be noted that the presence of excess Caroxylic acid in a Fischer reaction is not by accident, but it's intentional.

Fischer reaction is an esterification reaction which requires the addition of carboxylic acid with alcohol to generate Ester and water. This reaction is usually very slow and its rate is usually low. This problem is solved by shifting the direction of the reaction to the right, toward the product by making one of the reactants to be excess, this could be the acetic acid or the alcohol followed by the removal of the excess reactant after the reaction. Acetic acid is usually the excess reactant used because it is easy to remove. This acetic acid is removed by the addition of 5% sodium bicarbonate of 25mL, this will lead to the production of carbondioxide and sodium acetate.