Carboxylic acids and esters

Question 1

Why are small chain carboxylic acids soluble in water?

Answer 1

They can form hydrogen bonds

Question 2

What are esters used for?

Answer 2

Food flavourings and perfumes, also polar solvents

Question 3

What is vegetable oil and fat made of?

Answer 3

Glycerol (propane-1,2,3-triol) which undergoes esterification to form triglyceride esters

Question 4

What is biodiesel made of?

Answer 4

Triglyceride esters and methanol using a strong acid (sulfuric?) catalyst

Question 5

What is ester hydrolysis?

Answer 5

Reverse esterification where an ester is converted to an alcohol and carboxylic acid. Done by adding an acid or a base

Question 6

What is produced from ester hydrolysis in alkaline conditions?

Answer 6

Soap - the carboxylic acid obtained from the ester reacts with a base (NaOH) to form salt

Question 7

What is ester hydrolysis useful for?

Answer 7

Making biodegradable plastics

Question 8

What is the reagent for acid hydrolysis of esters?

Answer 8

Dilute acid e.g. H2SO4

Question 9

What is the reagent for base hydrolysis of esters?

Answer 9

Excess dilute NaOH and heat under reflux