Carboxylic Acids and Esters Flashcards
What is the general formula of carboxylic acids?
CₙH₂ₙ+₁COOH note: n starts from 0 (methanoic acid)
What is the functional group for Carboxylic Acids?
Carboxyl, -COOH group
What are the names and formula for the first 4 Carboxylic Acids in the Carboxylic acid homologous series?
Methanoic acid
HCOOH
Ethanoic acid
CH₃COOH
Propanoic acid
CH₃CH₂COOH or C₂H₅COOH
Butanoic acid
CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH or C₃H₇COOH
What is the main difference in the physical properties between Carboxylic Acids vs alkenes and alkanes?
They are soluble in water, and have considerably higher boiling and melting points, just like alcohols (due to the presence of hydrogen bonding)
What is the main chemical property of Carboxylic Acids?
They behave as weak acids.
Therefore they can react with metals, bases, alkalis and Carbonates, just like regular acids.
What is the reaction, reagents and conditions that produce Carboxylic Acids?
Oxidation of Alcohols Potassium Manganate (VII), heat
(pure)
What reaction can Carboxylic Acid undergo with alcohols? (Give the reagents and conditions)
Esterification, Alcohol + Carboxylic acid, concentrated sulfuric acid, 180 degrees Celsius.
(pure)
What are four physical properties of esters?
- Colourless
- Neutral
- Insoluble in water
- Sweet and fruity smell
(pure)
What are 3 uses of esters?
- Food Flavouring
- Solvents for organic compounds like nail polish remover
- Making perfumes
