Aklan’s Young Enstein and Marie Curie’s

By: Raymond Sucgang

Young researchers from Batan, Aklan are once again making waves at the prestigious Philippine Chemistry Congress.

Students from Batan’s I Learn Child Center, under the dynamic leadership of Principal Ms. Abigail G. Salazar and their teachers,and with the encouragement and inspiration by FR Jayvee Delos Santos and the technical guidance of myself, are preparing to present their latest research at the 39th Philippine Chemistry Congress.

This follows their successful participation in last year’s 38th PCC, where one study about paint laminates from styrofoam wastes was showcased. This year, a new team of younger students is stepping up with an exciting project titled “Optimization of Esterification Reaction Between Benzyl Alcohol and Coconut Oil: Synthesis and Characterization of a White Crystalline Ester.”

The research focuses on optimizing the esterification process between benzyl alcohol and coconut oil, a reaction that plays a critical role in producing valuable esters used in industries such as fragrances, flavoring, and biodiesel production. With coconut oil being a renewable and sustainable resource, the study explores how to fine-tune the reaction to create high-quality esters for potential industrial use. After testing different temperatures, molar ratios of reactants, and catalyst concentrations, the team discovered that the highest ester yield was achieved at a temperature of 120°C, with a 1:2 molar ratio of benzyl alcohol to coconut oil and a 2% sulfuric acid catalyst.

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis confirmed the formation of a pure ester product, and the team was particularly excited about the white crystalline nature of the final product. The crystallization indicated both high purity and stability, making it an ideal candidate for further use in various industries. The research team’s success in optimizing the esterification reaction reflects their growing expertise and determination.

Their work has the potential to advance the use of sustainable resources in industrial applications, particularly in cosmetics and fragrance production. The study also underscores the effectiveness of thin-layer chromatography in confirming product purity, and the team plans to explore further studies into scaling up the process for larger industrial applications.

Batan’s young learners continue to demonstrate their impressive capabilities, and their participation in this year’s Chemistry Congress highlights the strong foundation of mentorship and academic excellence at I Learn Child Center. Their work not only showcases their scientific talents but also emphasizes the importance of fostering the next generation of researchers and innovators.