Trimethyl citrate can be synthesized through the esterification of citric acid with methanol. Here is a simplified synthesis pathway:
### Materials Needed:
1. **Citric Acid** (C6H8O7)
2. **Methanol** (CH3OH)
3. **Acid Catalyst** (such as sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid)
4. **Distillation Apparatus** (for removal of water and purification)
### General Procedure:
1. **Preparation of the Reaction Mixture**:
- In a reaction flask,