Carboxylic Acids and Esters: Key Concepts and Reactions

Carboxylic Acid

Organic compound containing a carboxyl group (-COOH).

Carboxyl Group

Functional group characteristic of carboxylic acids.

IUPAC Nomenclature

Systematic naming of chemical compounds using specific rules.

Dimers

Two identical molecules bonded together.

Hydrogen Bonding

Attraction between hydrogen and electronegative atoms.

Boiling Point

Temperature at which a liquid turns to vapor.

Solubility

Ability of a substance to dissolve in water.

Fatty Acids

Carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains.

Esterification

Process of forming an ester from acid and alcohol.

Ester Linkage

Bond between carbonyl carbon and oxygen in esters.

Polyester

Polymer formed through esterification process.

Saponification

Alkaline hydrolysis of esters producing soap.

Carboxylate Ion

Anion formed from carboxylic acid by deprotonation.

Trans Fats

Unsaturated fats with trans double bonds, unhealthy.

Hydrophobic R Group

Non-polar hydrocarbon chain affecting solubility.

Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids with straight or branched chains.

Aromatic Acids

Carboxylic acids derived from aromatic compounds.

Oxidation

Chemical reaction involving loss of electrons.

Primary Alcohols

Alcohols with the hydroxyl group on a terminal carbon.

Condensation Polymerization

Monomers combine with elimination of small molecules.

Ester Hydrolysis

Reaction of ester with water to produce acid and alcohol.

Phosphate Esters

Esters formed from phosphoric acid and alcohols.

Carboxylic Acid Salts

Salts formed from carboxylic acids and bases.

Common Names

Traditional names used for carboxylic acids.

Hydrogenation

Addition of hydrogen to unsaturated fats.

Biological Importance

Significance of compounds in biological processes.

Sodium Benzoate

Food preservative derived from benzoic acid.

Calcium Propanoate

Preservative used in bakery products.

Methyl Acetate

Common ester used as a solvent.