Synthesizing trimethyl citrate, an important chemical used as a plasticizer and in food and pharmaceutical applications, typically involves esterification reactions. Below is a general procedure for synthesizing trimethyl citrate with a focus on achieving high purity.
### Materials Needed:
- Citric acid
- Methanol (anhydrous is preferable)
- Acid catalyst (e.g., sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid)
- Distillation apparatus
- Glassware