GCSE Chemistry Revision — Carboxylic Acids
Revise Carboxylic Acids for GCSE Chemistry with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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What is Carboxylic Acids?
Carboxylic acids are a homologous series of organic compounds that contain the -COOH functional group. They are weak acids, meaning they only partially ionise in water. They react with metals, bases, and carbonates in the same way as other acids, but less vigorously.
Board notes: Carboxylic acids are covered by all boards. You need to know their functional group, their properties as weak acids, and how they react to form salts. The formation of esters is also a key reaction, often covered as a higher-tier topic.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH), the main component of vinegar, is a typical carboxylic acid. It reacts with sodium hydroxide to form the salt sodium ethanoate and water: CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O.
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Common mistakes
- 1Thinking that carboxylic acids are strong acids. They are weak acids, so a solution of ethanoic acid will have a higher pH (e.g., pH 3-4) than a solution of hydrochloric acid of the same concentration (e.g., pH 1).
- 2Forgetting the name of the salt formed. The salts of ethanoic acid are called ethanoates, and those of propanoic acid are propanoates.
- 3Confusing the functional group -COOH with other groups containing oxygen.
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Frequently asked questions
How are carboxylic acids formed?
Carboxylic acids can be formed by the oxidation of alcohols. For example, ethanol can be oxidised to form ethanoic acid.
What is an ester?
An ester is a compound formed from the reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, with an acid catalyst. Esters have characteristic sweet, fruity smells and are used in perfumes and food flavourings.