Carboxylic Acids

Question 1

What is the functional group of carboxylic acids?

Answer 1

-COOH

Question 2

What intermolecular forces are present in carboxylic acids?

Answer 2

Hydrogen-bonding
pd-pd
London dispersion

Question 3

Describe the reactions of carboxylic acids.

Answer 3

Carbonates
Acid + Base -> Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide
Example: 2CH3COOH + Na2CO3 -> 2CH3COONa + H2O + CO2

Metal
Acid + Metal -> Salt + Hydrogen
Example: 2CH3CH2COOH + Na -> 2CH3CH2COONa + H2

Hydroxides
Acid + Hydroxide -> Salt + Water
Example: CH3CH2COOH + NaOH -> CH3CH2COONa + H2O

Reduction of carboxylic acids
Reducing agent: LiAlH4
Example: CH3COOH + 4[H] -> CH3CH2OH + H2O