Carboxylic Acids
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 11.7.1
Carboxylic Acids
A carboxylic acid is an organic compound that contains a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids, such as ethanoic acid, have these properties:
Functional group
- The functional group of carboxylic acids is a carboxyl group (-COOH).
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General formula
- The general formula for the homologous series of carboxylic acids is CnH2n+1COOH.
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?
Properties of carboxylic acids
A carboxylic acid has the general formula CnH2n+1COOH, where n = 2. What is the formula of this carboxylic acid?
Properties of carboxylic acids