26. Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives

Question 1

What makes carboxylic acids, acidic?

Answer 1

Electrons in C=O drawn towards O, electrons in C-O drawn towards C=O. H+ lost, negative charge delocalised over the whole ion, less likely to re-bond.
Electron-withdrawing groups next to C make the acid stronger - O-H weakened further, more delocalisation of charge.

Question 2

Order acyl chlorides, alkyl chlorides and aryl chlorides in terms of ease of hydrolysis.

Answer 2

Acyl easiest - open to nucleophilic attack
Alkyl - electron donating
Aryl - electron withdrawing.