The equilibrium of Fischer esterification reactions in general is slightly towards product formation. The equilibrium can be made more favorable for product formation by all of the following except:
a. Increasing the concentration of the 2-phenylacetic acid
b. Increasing the concentration of the ethanol
c. Removing water from the reaction mixture
d. Increasing the concentration of H2SO4
e. Removing ethyl -2-phenylacetate as it is formed