Carboxylic Acids
Overview
The sharp taste of vinegar comes from ethanoic acid, the best known member of the carboxylic acids. This family is marked by the -COOH functional group, and although these are weak acids, they show all the familiar acid reactions you already know.
In this lesson you will learn that carboxylic acids form a homologous series with the -COOH group, how ethanoic acid reacts with metals, bases and carbonates as a typical acid, and how it reacts with an alcohol to form a sweet-smelling ester.
Objectives
- Describe the reaction of ethanoic acid with: (a) metals (b) bases (c) carbonates including names and formulae of the salts produced.
- [Supplement] Describe the formation of ethanoic acid by the oxidation of ethanol: (a) w ith acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) (b) b y bacterial oxidation during vinegar production.
- [Supplement] Describe the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol using an acid catalyst to form an ester.
Audio Lesson
Listen to this lesson in the app
Mind map
This topic is mapped out so you can see how the ideas connect.
Open the mind map in the app
Flashcards
Quick recall practice on the facts this topic is tested on.
Practise these cards in the app
Lesson Note
Complete Note Available on the Green Bridge App
Get the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer for the complete IGCSE library: past papers, mark schemes, mind maps, flashcards and audio lessons.
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Carboxylic Acids. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- The functional group of the carboxylic acids is: A. -OH B. -COOH C. C=C D. -Cl Answer: B
- Ethanoic acid is classed as a: A. Strong acid B. Weak acid C. Base D. Neutral substance Answer: B
- Ethanoic acid reacts with magnesium to give hydrogen and: A. An ester B. A magnesium ethanoate salt C. Carbon dioxide D. An alcohol Answer: B
- Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate to give a salt, water and: A. Hydrogen B. Oxygen C. Carbon dioxide D. An ester Answer: C
- A carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to form water and a(n): A. Salt B. Ester C. Alkane D. Carbonate Answer: B
Work through these questions in the app
Work through these questions in the app
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
Want to practice mock questions on Carboxylic Acids? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
