Chapter 4, Problem 75RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The name of ${\text{NaC}}_{\text{4}}{\text{H}}_{\text{7}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ is to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Butanoic acid is a carboxylic acid with the chemical formula, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{COOH}$. It is found in animal fat, breast milk, plant oil and in butter. Butanoic acid also called butyric acid that has an unpleasant odor.

Butter contains $\text{3-4\%}$ triglyceride of butyric acid. When butter goes rancid, these triglycerides undergo hydrolysis to release butyric acid, giving butter its bad odor.