Synthesis of Benzocaine. A ester of PABA and Ethanol.

The video tutorial covers the synthesis of benzocaine, a topical anesthetic, starting with PABA and using Fischer esterification. It explains the use of a Soxhlet extractor for solvent cycling, setting up a condenser, and safety tips. The process involves refluxing the reaction mixture, monitoring the exothermic reaction, and neutralizing the acid to isolate the product. The tutorial emphasizes careful temperature control and proper setup to ensure successful synthesis.

What was the yield of the synthesis process, and was it considered satisfactory?

Explain the significance of the equilibrium reaction mentioned in the synthesis process.