Carboxylic acids

• Carboxylic acids are weak acids that partially dissociate into a carboxylate ion and a hydrogen ion.
• Carboxylic acids are obviously acidic, meaning they react with metals, bases and carbonates in the same way as other acids.

  
  

  Metals -> Salt + Hydrogen

  Base -> Salt + Water

  Carbonate -> Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide
• Carboxylic acids and can react with alcohols to form esters at high temperature and with a sulphuric acid catalyst.
• When reacted in the absence of water, two carboxylic acids will react in a condensation reaction (losing a water molecule) to form an acid anhydride.