Seneca
Sign up

Carboxylic Acids

Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 7.2.9

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids have the following properties:

Functional group

Functional group

  • The functional group of carboxylic acids is a carboxyl group (-COOH).
General formula

General formula

  • The general formula for the homologous series of carboxylic acids is CnH2n+1COOH.
Partially ionise in water

Partially ionise in water

  • Carboxylic acids only partially ionise (form an ion) in water, meaning they are weak acids.

Test yourself on Carboxylic Acids

  • Why are carboxylic acids classified as weak acids?

  • A carboxylic acid has the general formula CnH2n+1COOH, where n = 2. What is the formula of this carboxylic acid?

Practise this topic for free