Reactions of Carboxylic Acids

How are carboxylic acids formed from suitable alcohols?

By oxidation.

What is produced when ethanol is fully oxidised?

Ethanoic acid.

What is a common oxidising agent used to oxidise ethanol?

Acidified potassium dichromate(VI).

What colour change occurs when acidified potassium dichromate(VI) oxidises ethanol?

Orange to green.

Why is oxidation of ethanol important?

It provides a method of producing ethanoic acid.

What is esterification?

The reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol to produce an ester and water.

What is the general word equation for esterification?

Carboxylic acid + alcohol ⇌ ester + water.

What catalyst is commonly used in esterification?

Concentrated sulfuric acid.

What is formed when ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol?

Ethyl ethanoate and water.

What is the word equation for this reaction?

Ethanoic acid + ethanol ⇌ ethyl ethanoate + water.

What are esters?

Organic compounds containing the –COO– functional group.

What are esters often recognised by?

Their distinctive, often fruity smells.

What are some uses of esters?

Perfumes, flavourings and solvents.

How are esters named?

The first part comes from the alcohol, and the second part comes from the carboxylic acid.

What ester forms from methanol and ethanoic acid?

Methyl ethanoate.

What ester forms from ethanol and methanoic acid?

Ethyl methanoate.

Why is esterification reversible?

Esters can undergo the reverse reaction to form an alcohol and carboxylic acid.

What is hydrolysis of an ester?

The breakdown of an ester by reaction with water.

What is the difference between esterification and hydrolysis?

Esterification forms an ester, while hydrolysis breaks an ester down.