Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids
Alcohols contain –OH; carboxylic acids contain –COOH.
About this topic
Alcohols contain the hydroxyl group (−OH) and are named with -ol (methanol, ethanol, propanol). They have higher boiling points than similar alkanes due to hydrogen bonding, burn readily, and small ones mix with water. Carboxylic acids contain −COOH, are weak acids, and are named with -oic acid (methanoic, ethanoic acid).
Ethanol is made by fermentation of sugars with yeast (C6H12O6 gives 2C2H5OH + 2CO2) or industrially by hydrating ethene. Oxidation with acidified potassium dichromate turns primary alcohols into aldehydes and then carboxylic acids, with the colour changing from orange to green. Carboxylic acids react with alcohols, using concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst, to form esters and water: ethanoic acid + ethanol gives ethyl ethanoate, which smells like nail varnish remover. Acids also react with metals, carbonates and bases like other acids.
Examples: ethanol is used as a solvent, fuel (blended into petrol), antiseptic gel and in alcoholic drinks, while methanol is poisonous. Vinegar is about 5 percent ethanoic acid, citric acid is in citrus fruit, and methanoic acid causes ant stings. Fats and oils are esters of long-chain acids with glycerol.
A misconception is that all alcohols are safe to drink; only ethanol is, and in moderation. Also, carboxylic acids are weak acids despite the word acid; they ionise only slightly in water.
Key ideas
- Ethanol is in drinks and fuels
- Vinegar is acetic acid
- Esters form from the two
Quick check
Use cases: where Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids before you start a problem set.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids?
Alcohols contain –OH; carboxylic acids contain –COOH.
What will I learn in Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids?
Ethanol is in drinks and fuels. Vinegar is acetic acid. Esters form from the two.
Is Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids part of Chemistry?
Yes. It is one of 150 Chemistry topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
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