Reflux heating

a reacting mixture b heating mantle c elevator d rounbottomflask e condenser f water supply

The flask contains ethyl alcohol, acetic acid and sulfuric acid.

It is a homogeneous mixture

During reflux heating ethyl alcohol and acetic acid react to form an ester: ethyl acetate. The reaction is catalyzed by sulfuric acid. After the reaction, the more volatile ester is removed from the reaction mixture by distillation Watch the video:Reflux