Chapter 20, Problem 52A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The equation showing ionisation of ethanoicacid in water is to be written and acidic character of carboxylic acid is to be discussed.

Concept introduction:

Carboxylic acids are the compounds containing functional group $-COOH$ .

These compounds are acidic in nature. They release hydrogen ion when added to water.

Answer to Problem 52A

Carboxylic acids are typically weak acids.

  $C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}COOH\rightleftharpoons C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}CO{O}^{-}+H^{+}$

Explanation of Solution

Carboxylic acids are generally weak acids because carboxylic acids have hydrogen bonding. So release of hydrogen takes place slowly. There is no complete dissociation of acid into its ions. So acids are typically weak.

The acid and its dissociated ions are in equilibrium as:

  $C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}COOH\rightleftharpoons C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}CO{O}^{-}+H^{+}$

Conclusion

Thus, carboxylic acids are weak acids.