Deduce the equation for the transesterification reaction of pentyl octanoate, C₇H₁₅COOC₅H₁₁, with methanol.

Outline why the ester product of this reaction is a better diesel fuel than pentyl octanoate.

C₇H₁₅COOC₅H₁₁(l) + CH₃OH(l) → C₇H₁₅COOCH₃(l) + C₅H₁₁OH(l)

OR

C₁₃H₂₆O₂(l) + CH₄O(l) → C₉H₁₈O₂(l) + C₅H₁₂O(l)

OR

Accept correct equation in any format eg, skeletal, condensed structural formula, etc.

Accept equations with equilibrium arrow.

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less viscous «and so does not need to be heated to flow»

OR

less likely to undergo incomplete combustion

OR

fewer intermolecular/London/dispersion forces

OR

vaporizes easier

Ignore equation and products in 14a.

Accept “van der Waals’/vdW” for “London”.

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