Carboxylic acids and esters
I can describe the structure of the first four carboxylic acids, and recognise and describe reactions where carboxylic acids are involved.
- Year 11
- AQA
Carboxylic acids and esters
I can describe the structure of the first four carboxylic acids, and recognise and describe reactions where carboxylic acids are involved.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Carboxylic acids have a -COOH functional group.
- Carboxylic acids are weak acids.
- When ethanol is oxidised, ethanoic acid is formed.
- Carboxylic acids react with carbonates to produce a metal salt, carbon dioxide and water.
- Carboxylic acid can react with alcohol to produce esters (such as ethyl ethanoate).
Keywords
Carboxylic acids - Carboxylic acids are a homologous series of compounds that contain the -COOH functional group.
Weak acids - Weak acids partially dissociate to form Hᐩ ions in solution.
Carbonate - A carbonate is a compound containing the CO₃²ᐨ ion. An example is calcium carbonate CaCO₃.
Esters - Esters are a homologous series of compounds that contain the -COO- functional group.
Ethyl ethanoate - Ethyl ethanoate is an ester produced from the alcohol ethanol and the carboxylic acid ethanoic acid.
Common misconception
Confusing the concentration and strength of acids.
Clearly define a strong and weak acid.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the homologous series of compounds with the correct functional group.
Q2.What is the name of the carboxylic acid in the image?
Q3.Order the carboxylic acids by increasing chain length starting with the shortest carboxylic acid.
Q4.What is produced when an alcohol is oxidised using an oxidising agent?
Q5.What are the products from reactions between acids and metal carbonates?
Q6.Which of the following statements about weak acids are true?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Name the molecule shown in the image.
Q2.Which functional group do esters contain?
Q3.Where are esters used?
Q4.Match the key term with the correct definition
