Carboxylic Acids and derivatives

• Carboxylic acid has the functional group -COOH

  A) Carboxylic Acid

  
• Ester's have the functional group R-COO-R'

  Esters are named by the number of C on the R' as the prefix

  Number of C on R is the suffix.

  Name the compound below:

  A) Ethyl Ethanoate

  
• Esters have a low boiling point as they have weaker intermolecular forces compared to carboxylic acids and alcohols, as the alkyl chain prevents the molecule from forming hydrogen bonds.

  Whereas COOH and OH can form hydrogen bonds

  Ester's can form hydrogen bonds with nearby water molecules
• Common uses of esters :

  1. Solvents - Polar covalent solvents
  2. Plasticiser - added to plasticiser to increases flexibility and reduce intermolecular forces within polymer chains
  3. Perfumes - Pleasant smell, soluble in ethanol, volatile, non-toxic
  4. Food Flavourings - Pleasant flavour, non-toxic, soluble in ethanol, volatile