Organic Chemistry: Carboxylic Acids Flashcards Preview

GENERAL IGCSE Chemistry > Organic Chemistry: Carboxylic Acids > Flashcards

Flashcards in Organic Chemistry: Carboxylic Acids Deck (13)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What is the general formula of carboxylic acids?

A

CnH2n+1COOH

2
Q

What is the functional group of carboxylic acids?

A

COOH

3
Q

What are the properties of ethanoic acid? (3)

A

Weak acid
high pH
low dissociation

4
Q

How is ethanoic acid formed? (2)

A

Oxidation of ethanol:

  • in air
  • by fermentation with acidified potassium permanganate
5
Q

What are acetobacter?

A

bacteria naturally present in air

6
Q

What happens when we leave a solution of ethanol exposed to air?

A

Enzymes from the bacterium speed up the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid

7
Q

What does the oxidation of ethanol in air not take place without?

A

does not take place in the absence of oxygen

8
Q

What is the word equation for the oxidation in air of ethanol to ethanoic acid?

A

ethanol + oxygen => ethanoic acid + water

9
Q

What is the symbol equation for the oxidation in air of ethanol to ethanoic acid?

A

C2H5OH + 2[O] → CH3COOH + H2O

10
Q

Why do we write [O]?

A

the oxidation reaction is complicated but oxygen is involved

11
Q

Describe the oxidation in air of ethanol to ethanoic acid (3)

A
  1. Solution of ethanol is exposed to air
  2. Bacterium speed up conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid
    ( C2H5OH + 2[O] → CH3COOH + H2O )
  3. Reaction makes vinegar, vinegar is solution of ethanoic acid
12
Q

Describe the oxidation of ethanol with acidified potassium manganate (VII)

A
  1. Heat ethanol with potassium manganate and sulfuric acid in a flask with a condenser in an upright position (refluxing)
    C2H5OH + 2[O] → CH3COOH + H2O
  2. Ethanoic acid is formed
13
Q

Why do we use a condenser in the oxidation of ethanol with acidified potassium manganate (VII)?

A

Alcohol is volatile - prevents escaping