Carboxylic Acids (T)

• What are carboxylic acids classified as in terms of their functional group?

  They are classified as a homologous series with the same functional group.
• What are the first four carboxylic acids that students should be able to describe?

  • Methanoic acid
  • Ethanoic acid
  • Propanoic acid
  • Butanoic acid
• What happens when carboxylic acids dissolve in water?

  They partially ionize to produce ions, making them weak acids.
• What is the pH characteristic of carboxylic acids compared to strong acids?

  Carboxylic acids have a higher pH than strong acids like hydrochloric acid.
• What is the reaction of carboxylic acids with metal carbonates?

  • Produces a salt
  • Releases carbon dioxide gas
  • Produces water
• What is produced when ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate?

  Sodium ethanoate, carbon dioxide, and water.
• What is produced when propanoic acid reacts with potassium carbonate?

  Potassium propanoate, carbon dioxide, and water.
• What is the result of the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol?

  • Produces an ester
  • Produces water
  • Requires sulfuric acid as a catalyst
• What is the name of the ester produced from the reaction of ethanoic acid and ethanol?

  Ethy ethanoate.
• Why is sulfuric acid used in the reaction between carboxylic acids and alcohols?

  It acts as a catalyst for the reaction.
• What type of reaction occurs between carboxylic acids and alcohols?

  It is a reversible reaction.