Carboxylic Acids And Esters

Question 1

What are carboxylic acids?

Answer 1

They are a homologous series of organic acids which have the carboxyl (-COOH) functional group.

Question 2

Physical properties of carboxylic acids

Answer 2

1. They are very soluble in water.
2. IMF increases down the group.
3. Carboxylic acids dissolve in water to produce mobile ions, hence they are able to conduct electricity.

Question 3

Chemical properties: Carboxylic acids have weak conductivity.

Answer 3

They are weak acid, they dissociate partially in water to form H+ ions.

Question 4

Carboxylic acids reaction with metal

Answer 4

Products: Salt + hydrogen

Question 5

Carboxylic acids reaction with metal carbonate

Answer 5

Products: Salt + carbon dioxide + water

Question 6

Carboxylic acids reaction with base

Answer 6

Products: Salt + water

Question 7

Carboxylic acids reaction with alcohols

Answer 7

Products: ester + water (condensation reaction, reversible)

Question 8

What are esters?

Answer 8

Esters are sweet smelling, colourless liquids that are insoluble in water. They contain the -COO- functional group.

Question 9

Esterification

Answer 9

Reagent: Alcohol, Carboxylic acid

Reaction conditions: Heat, concentrated sulfuric acid

Question 10

Naming and Structural Formula of Ester

Answer 10

Naming: Alcohol + Carboxylic acid
SF: Carboxylic acid + Alcohol

Question 11

Use of Esters

Answer 11

1. In preparation of perfumes
2. As artificial food flavourings
3. In soap