Chapter 22, Problem 61A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The properties of carboxylic acids need to be described.

Concept introduction:

The functional group is the group present on the main carbon chain of an organic compound. It determines the chemical properties and the type of reactions an organic compound can show.

Explanation of Solution

The functional group is a specific group of bonds and atoms in an organic compound which determines the chemical properties and physical properties of the compound. Two compounds with same functional groups will behave in a similar way and show similar reactions.

The name of the group depends on the atoms present in the group for example an −OH group contains O and H atom thus, it is a hydroxyl group. The different functional groups are named according to IUPAC rule.

Name of some functional groups are: -OH: alcohol, -CHO: aldehyde, -COOH: carboxylic acid etc.

The properties of carboxylic acid are as follows:

They are soluble in water due to formation of hydrogen bonding with water molecules.

They are polar in nature due to electronegative difference between O and H atom of the −OH group present in it (-COOH group).

If the size of carboxylic acid molecule increases, its boiling point also increases.

The molecules have Van der Waal’s dispersion forces as well as dipole-dipole interactions.

They are weak acid due to the presence of partially ionized proton in them.