An organic conversion
Then, once the aqueous layer had been discarded again, another washing was done with saturated sodium chloride solution to dry the organic liquid. Anhydrous sodium sulfate was also added to the organic liquid and mixed with it for 15 minutes, before being filtered off. The final isolation steps were 2 distillations; the first was a simple distillation setup to remove the DCM, and the second was a vacuum distillation to isolate the grape flavouring from any other impurities, but at a lower temperature so it wouldn’t thermally decomp ose. After all those chemical processes, the conversion was complete; from DINP in plastic gloves, all the way to methyl anthranilate, a grape flavouring which was then used to make a soft drink. The chemical skill and prowess needed to inform such a method are truly awe-inspiring, and have left me wondering what more is possible, and what more absurd feats may not be so absurd after all.
References
NileR ed’s Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFZ5jQ0yuNA. Accessed 22/08/23 https://labmonk.com/synthesis-of-anthranilic-acid-from-phthalic-anhydride?utm_content=cmp- true. Accessed 01/09/23 https://byjus.com/chemistry/fischer-esterification-mechanism/ Date of Access 04/09/23 What is the mechanism of phthalimide synthesis from phthalic anhydride and urea? - Quora. Accessed 04/09/23
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