Carboxylic acids Flashcards
1
Q
What is a carboxylic acid?
A
A homologous series of compounds that have the functional group ‘COOH’.
2
Q
How are carboxylic acids made?
A
By oxidising an alcohol with an oxidising agent.
3
Q
Why are carboxylic acids weak acids?
A
They don’t ionise completely and not all the hydrogen ions are released.
4
Q
What is the general formula for carboxylic acids?
A
Cn H2n+1 COOH
5
Q
What are the first 4 carboxylic acids?
A
Methanoic acid H COOH
Ethanoic acid C H3 COOH
Propanoic acid C2 H5 COOH
Butanoic acid C3 H7 COOH
6
Q
How are esters made?
A
From an alcohol and a carboxylic acid in the presence of a catalyst.
7
Q
What are the properties of esters?
A
They are volatile and have a sweet and fruity scent.
8
Q
Where are esters used?
A
In perfumes and food flavourings.
