A Study of Esterification under the Influence of Ultra-Violet Rays

Studies of photochemical reactions are becoming increasingly prominent at the present time. A cursory examination of the literature of chemistry shows that in the last two or three decades much has been done in this field. This wide interest shown is undoubtedly due to a desire of gaining a more intimate knowledge of the green plants ability to utilize the suns energy. A large portion of these investigations have been concerned with the effect of the various regions of the spectrum, particularly the ultraviolet, on certain chemical processes. Today even in the commercial world we see evidences of investigations of the effect of ultra-violet radiations on various food products. A more careful examination of the literature of photochemistry reveals the fact that apparently little has been determined concerning the effect of ultra-violet rays on some of our common organic reactions. Rather, the studies have been more concerned with the decomposition and polymerization of fairly complex compounds. Among the investigations made on pure compounds was that of Mr. Lynn D. Wilson of Marquette University during the past year. Making use of a very intense source of ultra-violet light Mr. Wilson attempted to determine its effect on the velocity of esterification. Due to lack of time and to inherent difficulties of the subject he was unable to make a thorough investigation. Consequently, this writer became interested in verifying the results already secured, and in continuing the research