In the workup of the n-pentyl acetate reaction, how was the organic layer dried after the various aqueous washes were performed? How does this step dry the organic layer?

Write the equation for a Fischer esterification that would produce n-pentyl acetate.

Look up the price of each reactant as well as boiling points and water solubilities of reactants and products for this reaction. Is it preferable to use an excess of the alcohol or the carboxylic acid in this case?