Question

Why anhydrous ethanol used in the preparation of benzocaine?

Answer 1

Benzocaine is prepared by the Fischer esterification of 4-aminobenzoic acid with ethanol. Per Le Châtelier's Principle, any water in the mixture will shift the position of equilibrium to the left. Using 95 % ethanol-5 % water will decrease the yield of benzocaine.

hope it helps