Carboxylic acids and esters ( A-level )

Question 1

what is a carboxylic acid? functional group?

Answer 1

-COOH (C=O and C-OH)

Question 2

How do you name carboxylic acids?

Answer 2

-oic acid

Question 3

are carboxylic acids soluble in water? why?

Answer 3

Yes. acid groups can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules

Question 4

what are the intermolecular forces carboxylic acids?

Answer 4

Hydrogen bonds in solid state- very strong

Question 5

what are esters(what are they formed from)? Functional group, general formula?

Answer 5

Formed from carboxylic acids and alcohols.
RCOOR’

Question 6

How do you name esters?

Answer 6

start with group that has replaced the hydrogen, then acid part

Question 7

what physical properties do esters have?

Answer 7

Volatile, pleasant fruity smells

Question 8

what are some uses of esters?

Answer 8

Flavourings, perfumes(both for longer chains)
solvents(short chain), plasticisers

Question 9

what are some common natural esters?

Answer 9

Fats and oils

Question 10

how could you distinguish carboxylic acids from other -OH containing compounds?

Answer 10

add sodium hydrogen carbonate, acids will produce sodium salts, water and carbon dioxide

Question 11

what catalyst is needed for the formation of esters from alcohols and carboxylic acids?

Answer 11

concentrated strong acid( sulfuric acid)

Question 12

what catalyst is needed for the hydrolysis of esters?

Answer 12

Dilute strong acid(sulfuric acid)

Question 13

which alcohol forms the esters that make up animal and vegetable oils?

Answer 13

Glycerol/ propane-1,2,3-triol

Question 14

what are the products of hydrolysing fats and oils?

Answer 14

propane-1,2,3-triol and sodium salts of the acids that make up the ester