Carboxylic Acids

Question 1

The Structure of Carboxylic Acids

Answer 1

where R = H, an alkyl group, or an aromatic group

Question 2

The Properties of Carboxylic Acids

Answer 2

● carboxylic acids are acidic
● carboxylic acids dissociate in aqueous solution
● carboxylic acids react with bases

Question 3

The Preparation of Carboxylic Acids

Answer 3

1. Oxidation of alkenes
2. Oxidation of aldehydes and primary alcohols
3. Oxidation of alkylbenzenes
4. Oxidation of methyl ketones

Question 3

The Preparation of Carboxylic Acids

Answer 3

1. Oxidation of alkenes
2. Oxidation of aldehydes and primary alcohols
3. Oxidation of alkylbenzenes
4. Oxidation of methyl ketones

Question 4

The Reactions of Carboxylic Acids

Answer 4

1. Reaction with alcohols (Ester synthesis)
   ● the synthesis of esters (esterification) is a reversible reaction

Question 4

The Reactions of Carboxylic Acids

Answer 4

1. Reaction with alcohols (Ester synthesis)
   ● the synthesis of esters (esterification) is a reversible reaction

Question 5

what are Esters and where are they found ?

Answer 5

● esters are “fruity” compounds, and give flavour to many fruits
● esters have a pleasant odour, and is used in perfumery
● fats and vegetable oils are natural esters

Question 6

Esters - Nomenclature

Answer 6

● the** alkyl or aryl group bonded to oxygen is named first**
* this is followed, as a separate word, by the name of the acid, in which the suffix -ic acid is replaced by the suffix –ate

Question 7

Esters (Aspirin Synthesis)

Answer 7

• synthesis of aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) involves the esterification of salicylic acid with ethanoic acid or acetic anhydride.* This type of reaction is referred as ACYLATION*