Carboxylic acids AH Chemistry, Unit 3(b)

Functional group

Dimers Causes relatively high boiling points. But do not exist in aqueous solution.

Properties Solubility How does this compare to alcohols? Why?

The carbonyl group has electron withdrawing properties and makes the O-H bond even more polar.

Properties pH in aqueous solution

The stability of the carboxylate ion is stabilised by electron delocalisation. So less likely to recombine with H+

Preparation Oxidation of aldehydes Hydrolysis of esters, amides or nitriles

Reactions Neutralisation with bases and metals Producing salts Condensation with alcohols Producing esters Reaction with ammonia Producing ammonium salts, then amides Reduction with lithium aluminium hydride Producing primary alcohols