Explain the properties and characteristics of c... - SS2 Chemistry Organic Chemistry III: Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids Question

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a carbon atom. They exhibit distinct properties and characteristics compared to other organic compounds. Some key features of carboxylic acids include:

1.    Acidity: Carboxylic acids are acidic compounds due to the presence of the carboxyl group, which can donate a proton (H+) in solution. They are stronger acids than alcohols and aldehydes but weaker than mineral acids. The acidity of carboxylic acids allows them to react with bases to form salts known as carboxylates.

2.    Hydrogen Bonding: Carboxylic acids can form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group and the carbonyl (C=O) group. These hydrogen bonds contribute to the higher boiling points and solubility in water compared to hydrocarbons and other organic compounds.

3.    Odour: Carboxylic acids often have strong, pungent odours. For example, acetic acid is responsible for the distinctive smell of vinegar, while butyric acid gives off a rancid odour resembling spoiled butter.

4.    Reactivity: Carboxylic acids can undergo various reactions, including acid-base reactions, esterification, oxidation, and decarboxylation. These reactions allow for the synthesis of derivatives and the transformation of carboxylic acids into other functional groups.

Examples illustrating the properties of carboxylic acids include the acidity of acetic acid (CH3COOH), its ability to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds, and the odour of formic acid (HCOOH).