24th March 2026
Chemistry Society: Spring Term 2026
Microscale esterification
Our ChemSoc recently carried out a microscale “Fischer esterification” to make ethyl benzoate from ethanol and benzoic acid. We conducted the practical in microscale to help manage the hazards presented by the use of concentrated sulfuric acid, required as a catalyst to drive the reaction forwards. In the equation below this is represented as H+.
Our second years covered esters earlier this year on their chemistry course and the first years have just finished working on alcohols so there is relevance to both stages of the A level chemistry teaching programme.
The video we made for the students which covers the practical and associated chemistry can be found here. See below for some photos of our students in action!
Ion migration
Our ChemSoc recently carried out a microscale electrochemical cell practical to separate two oppositely charged ions and enable them to migrate towards each other.
Our second years are about to cover electrochemical cells and reduction/oxidation this term on their chemistry course and the first years have finished working on redox last term, so there is relevance to both stages of the A level chemistry teaching programme.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming two of our ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) students who had been specially trained in laboratory safety and were interested in some chemistry lab experience as part of their time here at BHASVIC.
The video we made for the students which covers the practical and associated chemistry can be found here, including some time-lapse photography of the reaction as it proceeds. See below for some photos of our students in action!
