C3 Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Name the first three members of the carboxylic acid homologous series? How do their names give them away?
Methanoic acid, ethanoic acid and propanoic acid They all end in –oic acid.
What is an homologous series?
The compounds with the same functional group are arranged in order of carbon chain length.
What are the chemical properties of alcohols?
They dissolve in water to form a neutral solution; they react with sodium to produce hydrogen; they burn in air.
Give a food related use of ethanoic acid?
Ethanoic acid is the main acid in vinegar
Why are they weak acids?
They do not ionise completely when dissolved in water and so are weak acids
Give two specific food related uses of ethanol.
Ethanol is the main alcohol in alcoholic drinks. Ethanol can be oxidised to ethanoic acid, either by chemical oxidising agents or by microbial action. Ethanoic acid is the main acid in vinegar.
What are the physical properties of esters?
They are volatile compounds with distinctive smells
What is a functional group?
The reactive bit of an organic compound.
What is the molecular formula of ethanol?
C2H6O
What is ethyl ethanoate?
Ethyl ethanoate is the ester produced from ethanol and ethanoic acid.
What is the functional group in an alcohol?
Alcohols contain the functional group –OH
What are the uses of esters?
They are used as flavourings and perfumes.
Name the first three members of the alcohol homologous series? How do their names give them away?
Methanol, ethanol and propanol, their names all end in -ol
What are the uses of alcohols generally?
They are used as fuels and solvents.
What are the acidic properties of alcohols?
They dissolve in water to produce acidic solutions. They react with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide