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The yield of an esterification reaction can be increased by:
1. Using an excess of one of the reactants, typically the alcohol or carboxylic acid.
2. Using a catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid.
3. Removing the water produced during the reaction, which can be done by azeotropic distillation or by adding a drying agent, such as anhydrous sodium sulfate.
4. Heating the reaction mixture, which increases the rate of the reaction.
5. Allowing the reaction to proceed for a longer period of time.