Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters

Question 1

Properties of methanol, ethanol and propanol

Answer 1

Dissolve in water to form a neutral solution

React with sodium to produce hydrogen

Burn in air

Question 2

Uses of methanol, ethanol and propanol

Answer 2

Fuels and solvents

Ethanol: the main alcohol in alcoholic drinks

Question 3

How can ethanoic acid be produced from ethanol?

Answer 3

Oxidizing ethanol

Chemical oxidizing agents

Microbial action

Question 4

Relationship between vinegar and ethanoic acid

Answer 4

Ethanoic acid = main acid in vinegar

vinegar = aqueous solution containing ethanoic acid.

Question 5

Properties or carboxylic acids

Answer 5

Dissolve in water –> acidic solutions

React with carbonates –> CO2 produced

React with alcohol + acid catalyst –> esters

Weak acid: ionises partially when dissolved in water

Solutions weak acids (aq), higher pH (more alkaline), solutions strong acids(aq), same concentration.

Question 6

Name the ester produced from ethanol and ethanoic acid

Answer 6

Ethyl ethanoate

Question 7

Characteristics of esters

Answer 7

Volatile

Distinctive smells

Question 8

Uses of esters

Answer 8

Flavouring and perfumes

Question 9

Fuctional group of Ester

Answer 9

–COO–

Question 10

Functional group of alcohol

Answer 10

–OH

Question 11

Functional group of carboxylic acid

Answer 11

–COOH

Question 12

Examples of strong acids

Answer 12

HCl, H2SO4, HNO3

Question 13

Examples of weak acids

Answer 13

Carboxylic acids

Question 14

How is ester made?

Answer 14

Reacting alcohol with carboxylic acid + acid catalyst