Carboxylic acids

Question 1

Explain the water solubility of carboxylic acids

Answer 1

• carboxylic acids with 1-4 carbon atoms are VERY soluble.
• this is because of highly polar C=O and O-H bonds allowing carboxylic acid molecules to form H bonds with water molecules.
• Chain length increase –> decrease in solubility. This is because there is a longer non polar hydrocarbon chain.

Question 2

Describe the reaction of carboxylic acids with metals.

Answer 2

carboxylic acid + water –> salt and hydrogen gas

Question 3

Describe the reaction of carboxylic acids with bases

Answer 3

carboxylic acid + base –> salt and water

Question 4

Describe the reaction of carboxylic acids with carbonates

Answer 4

carboxylic acid + carbonate –> salt + carbon dioxide + water