Analysis of the Aromatic Esters

The aromatic esters are identified by saponifying them with alcoholic potash and then examining the product for the halogen hydroacids with silver nitrate solution.  

Detection of Benzyl Chloride. Benzyl chloride, on heating under reflux with a solution of lead nitrate, forms benzaldehyde which is easily recognised by its almond-like odour. 

Another method of detecting benzyl chloride, according to Lob, consists in passing the vapour of the substance to be examined over a platinum wire heated to redness and then testing for hydrochloric acid in the product with silver nitrate. 

Detection of Benzyl Bromide. According to Kekul, when benzyl bromide is treated with an alcoholic solution of silver acetate, a yellow precipitate of silver bromide rapidly separates even in the cold. 

The quantitative determination of the aromatic esters is best carried out by the same reactions given above for their detection. 

---