Carboxylic acids & esters

• What is the naming convention for carboxylic acids?

  They end with -oic acid
• When naming carboxylic acids, where does the numbering start?

  From the carboxylic acid end
• What is a -dioic acid?

  It has carboxylic acid groups on both ends
• What is the process of esterification?

  Carboxylic acids react with alcohols to form esters
• What are the two parts of an ester's name?

  Alcohol part and carboxylic acid part
• What is required for the esterification reaction to occur?

  A strong acid catalyst is needed
• What is the general reaction for ester formation?

  Carboxylic acid + alcohol → ester + water
• What are the properties required for esters used in perfumes?

  Non-toxic, soluble, volatile, and not react with water
• Why do esters have lower boiling points than carboxylic acids?

  They do not form hydrogen bonds
• How are esters used as plasticisers?

  They increase flexibility of polymers
• What is unique about methanoic acid regarding oxidation?

  It can be oxidised due to its aldehyde group
• What do carboxylic acids form with metals?

  Salts and hydrogen gas
• What is the reaction of carboxylic acids with carbonates?

  They produce salt, water, and CO2
• What is the functional group test for carboxylic acids?

  Effervescence with Na2CO3 or NaHCO3
• How can esters be hydrolysed?

  By heating with acid or sodium hydroxide
• What is produced when an ester is hydrolysed with acid?

  A carboxylic acid and an alcohol
• What is produced an ester is hydrolysed with sodium hydroxide?

  a carboxylic acid salt and alcohol
• Why is the hydrolysis of esters with sodium hydroxide not reversible?

  The carboxylic acid salt is resistant to nucleophiles
• What happens when hydrochloric acid is added to a carboxylic acid salt?

  It converts the salt to carboxylic acid
• What are fats and oils?

  Esters of glycerol and long-chain fatty acids
• What is produced when veg oils and animal fats are hydrolysed?

  Soap and glycerol
• How do long-chain fatty acids act as soaps?

  Their polar end is hydrophilic, mixing with water
• What is biodiesel and how can it be made?

  It is a mixture of methyl esters of long chain carboxylic acids. It is made through the reaction of vegetable oils with methanol, in the presence of a strong alkali catalyst.
• Why is biodiesel considered carbon-neutral?

  Carbon dioxide released was absorbed by plants
• What factors are not considered in the carbon-neutral argument for biodiesel?

  Energy for irrigation and processing
• What is the property of the long non-polar hydrocarbon chain in relation to water?

  It is hydrophobic and mixes with grease
• How does the hydrophobic chain affect the mixing of grease and water?

  It allows grease and water to mix and wash away
• What is glycerol also known as?

  Propane-1,2,3-triol
• Why is glycerol soluble in water?

  It forms hydrogen bonds very easily
• In what products is glycerol commonly used?

  Cosmetics, food, and glues
• Why is biodiesel considered carbon-neutral?

  CO2 released was absorbed during plant growth
• What factors can affect the carbon neutrality of biodiesel?

  Energy needed for production from fossil fuels
• What is a consequence of producing biodiesel on land use?

  It affects land available for food production
• What are acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides classified as?

  Carboxylic acid derivatives
• How do acid anhydrides compare to acyl chlorides in reactivity?

  They have similar reactivity but different by-products
• What is the main by-product of acyl chlorides during reactions?

  Hydrogen chloride (HCl)
• What is the change in functional group when an acyl chloride reacts with water?

  Acyl chloride to carboxylic acid
• What are the conditions for the reaction of acyl chlorides with water?

  Room temperature
• What is the reaction of acid anhydride with water?

  Produces carboxylic acid
• What observation indicates the reaction of acyl chlorides with water?

  Steamy white fumes of HCl are given off