ORGANIC CHEM - CARBOXYLIC ACIDS + ESTERS
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What is the general formula of a carboxylic acid?
R - COOH
Are carboxylic acids weak acids/strong acids?
• weak acids • partially ionise into carboxylate ions and H^+ ions
Why are carboxylate ions stable?
• delocalisation • carboxylate ion is stabilised as the -ve charge is shared equally between the 2 O atoms
What are the physical properties of carboxylic acids?
• the carboxylic acid group can form H bonds with H2O molecules which makes them soluble in water • higher melting points than alkanes of similar relative molecular mass as H bonds can form between carboxylic acids • have characteristic smells
What is the general formula of an ester?
RCOOR’
How are esters named?
• the first part is derived from the alcohol • the second part is derived from the acid (eg: ethanoic acid + methanol -> methyl ethanoate)
What are the users of esters?
• short chain esters are volatile and have pleasant fruity smells so they’re often used in flavourings and perfumes • solvents • plasticisers • fats and oils are esters with longer C chains