Carboxylic acids

Question 1

what is the general formula for carboxylic acids

Answer 1

C₂H₂nO₂

Question 2

list 2 ways carboxylic acids are formed

Answer 2

1- fermentation of alcohol (ethanol)

2- using oxidising agents

Question 3

describe fermentation of ethanol

Answer 3

C₂H₅OH + O₂ → CH₃COOH + H₂O

-ethanol + oxygen → ethanoic acid + water

Question 4

describe oxidation of ethanol

Answer 4

ethanol is oxidised using a powerful oxidising agent potassium manganate VII in the presence of acid/ in an acidic medium
the colour changes from purple to colourless

Question 5

properties of carboxylic acids

Answer 5

-they have a COOH functional group
-they react with alcohols to form esters
-they are weak acids but the react with metals, bases and carbonates to form salts
-they are colourless
-they form salts called ethanoates
-they react with alkaline solutions
-they turn blue litmus paper red
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