20 Questions
Why do small carboxylic acids exist in the liquid phase?
They form strong hydrogen bonds
What is the difference between the number of hydrogen bonds formed by carboxylic acids and alcohols?
Carboxylic acids form twice as many hydrogen bonds
What is the result of the dissociation of a carboxylic acid?
A carboxylate anion
What is a characteristic of a weak acid?
Low Ka value
What is the common property of carboxylic acids and alcohols?
They both form hydrogen bonds
What is the mechanism of typical reactions of carboxylic acids?
Nucleophilic acyl substitution
What is the primary reason why carboxylic acids undergo nucleophilic acyl substitution reactions?
The presence of the δ+ charge on the carbonyl group
What is the product of the reaction between a carboxylic acid and a Grignard reagent?
A carboxylic acid derivative
What is the result of hydrolysis of carboxylic acid derivatives?
Formation of the original carboxylic acid
What is the product of the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol via Fischer esterification?
An ester
Which of the following reactions is an example of nucleophilic acyl substitution?
Fischer esterification
What is the result of the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an amine?
Formation of an amide
What is the purpose of the Tollens' test in the oxidation of aldehydes?
To form a silver mirror
What is a method for forming carboxylic acids?
Carboxylation of Grignard reagents
What is the characteristic feature of the carbonyl group in carboxylic acids that makes them undergo nucleophilic acyl substitution reactions?
Its δ+ charge
Why do carboxylic acids form dimers through hydrogen bonding?
Because of their ability to form liquids
What is the reason for the inverse correlation between acid strength and boiling point?
The electron-withdrawing R group takes electron density away from the hydrogen bonds, weakening them and making it easier for the acid to boil
What happens to the acid strength as the electronegativity of the X atom increases in compounds XCH2CO2H?
It increases due to the increasing electronegativity of the X atom
Why are carboxylic acids acidic at all?
Because they are capable of forming resonance-stabilized conjugate bases
What is the effect of an electron-withdrawing R group on the O-H bond of the acid molecule?
It weakens the O-H bond, making it easier for the proton to dissociate
Learn about the methods of preparation of carboxylic acids, including oxidative cleavage of alkenes and alkynes, oxidation of alcohols and aldehydes, and carboxylation of Grignard reagents. Understand the reaction mechanisms and conditions.
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