If you extract the mixture with dilute carbonate solution, that neutralizes the acid. The alcohol is usually much more soluble in water than the
ester, so you have mostly ester left in the organic layer.
I've had a great deal of difficulty with a lot of esters, though, so i may not be the one to ask (you know how many times I've tried making butyl
salicylate? And it's NEVER worked for me!). |