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Le'Châtlier's Principle

When stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system reacts in such a manner to counteract the stress.

The reaction for the synthesis of polyester is an equilibrium reaction. Both high temperature and catalysts are required for this reaction.

acid + alcohol <---> polyester + water

To achieve a high yield of polyester, the water is removed from the system. As water is removed, more acid and alcohol react to form polyester.

If you add water to the reactor, polyester will hydrolyze, and thus revert back to acid and alcohol.




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Last Revised 02/03/98.
Copyright ©1998 by William L. Dechent. All rights reserved.

Toni Braxton Midi