Carboxylic Acids
By: Maggie Ward and Samantha Nason
Formula – R-COOH (R is hydrogen or alkyl
group)
 Simplest series: alkanoic acids
 -oic ending
 Name counts total number of carbons in
longest chain
 Polar
 Form hydrogen bonds with each other
 High melting and boiling points
 High solubility
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Most acidic organic compound
Weak acids
Made from oxidation of alcohols and
aldehydes
Carboxylic acid + alcohol = ester
React with bases to form carboxylate salts
Sour taste; strong smell
Fatty acids, amino acids, acrylic acids
Ex) lemons, grapefruit, limes, sour candy,
vinegar
Naming
Sources

Chemistry – Molecules, Matter and Change
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carboxylic_acid

http://www.chem.ucalgary.ca/courses/350/C
arey5th/Ch19/ch19-0.html

http://www.chemguide.co.uk/organicprops/a
cids/background.html#top

http://www.chemheritage.org/EducationalSer
vices/pharm/chemo/activity/ester/ester03.gif
Structures