GCSE Chemistry (AQA)

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Reactions of Carboxylic acids

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Organic chemistry Reactions of alkenes and alcohols

Reactions of Carboxylic acids

7:54 Carboxylic Acids: Structure, Formula, and Reactions
Spec 4.7.2.4
Previous Carboxylic Acid Names & Formulae Next Addition Polymerisation
  • Carboxylic acids dissolve in water to form acidic solutions.
  • Defined by the COOH functional group, which determines key properties.
  • When dissolved, a hydrogen splits off from the COOH group, leaving a COO group with a negative charge.
  • The hydrogen ion has a positive charge, making the solution acidic.
  • Acids release H+ ions when dissolved in water.
  • Carboxylic acids can be represented by an equation showing ionization.
  • Use a reversible reaction symbol because carboxylic acids only partially ionize, making them weak acids.
  • Carboxylic acids typically have a pH value between two and three.
  • Carboxylic acids react with carbonates to form salt, water, and carbon dioxide.
  • Example reaction: chalk (calcium carbonate) and vinegar (ethanoic acid) produce CO2 gas.
  • Carboxylic acids react with alcohols to form esters, which have fruity smells and are used in fragrances and solvents.
  • Example: Ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid to form ethyl ethanoate and water.
  • The reaction involves the combination of hydrogen from alcohol and OH group from acid to form water, and a new bond forms between oxygen in alcohol and carbon in acid to create the ester.

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