Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic Acids
• These are a homologous series of organic compounds that all contain the same
functional group: –COOH
• They have the general formula: CnH2n+1COOH
• They are colourless liquids which are weakly acidic and have typical acidic
properties
• They react with alkaline solutions, turn blue litmus red and
form salts called ethanoates
• The acidic, vinegary taste of wine which has been left open for several days is due to
the presence of ethanoic acid
• Alternatively, oxidising agent potassium manganate(VII) can be used
• This involves heating ethanol with acidified potassium manganate(VII) in the
presence of an acid
• The heating is performed under reflux which involves heating the reaction mixture in a
vessel with a condenser attached to the top
• The condenser prevents the volatile alcohol from escaping the reaction vessel as
alcohols have low boiling points
• The equation for the reaction is:
In the reaction with metals a metal salt and hydrogen gas are produced
In the reaction with hydroxides a salt and water are formed in a neutralisation reaction
For example, in reaction with potassium hydroxide the salt potassium ethanoate is formed:
In the reaction with carbonates a salt, water and carbon dioxide gas are produced
For example, in reaction with potassium carbonate the salt potassium ethanoate is formed:
2CH3COOH (aq) + K2CO3 (s) → 2CH3COOK (aq) + H2O (l) +CO2 (g)
Esterification
Diagram showing the origin of each carbon chain in ester; this ester is ethyl
butanoate