(15) Carboxylic Acids and Esters

What are organic acids?

Compounds containing one or more COOH groups. This is known as a carboxyl group (carbonyl and hydroxyl)

How are organic acids derived from hydrocarbons?

a CH3 group has been replaced by a COOH group

What is the general formula for acids?

RCOOH

How are acids classified?

according to their number of carboxyl groups

What is a compound containing one COOH group?

Fatty acid (occur naturally in fats and oils)

What are the two methods for naming monocarboxylic acids?

-Subbing the e of a hydrocarbon with oic (methane → methanoic acid)
-Common name, or from the acids in which they are derived (formic acid)

What is formic (methanoic) acid?

-Strongest of the monocarboxylic acids
-Colorless liquid with a pungent odor
-Has a blistering effect on the skin
-Active irritant in the defensive secretions of ants, bees and other insects
-Excellent reducing agent and is used in the synthesis of many organic compounds

What is acetic (ethanoic) acid?

-Gives vinegar its characteristic sharp odor and taste
-4-6% acetic acid (vinegar is)
-Pure acetic acid is called glacial acetic due to it sometimes being frozen at room temp into a glass like solid

What acids historically take the role of blood anticoagulant agents / water softening agents in embalming fluid?

Dicarboxylic acids

How do oxylates work in anticoagulants?

they react with ionized calcium in the blood, forming insoluble calcium oxalate. The removal of calcium ions prevents the initiation of the blood clotting process (this group of substances is called precipitant anticoagulants)

What are sequesterant anticoagulants?

those that cross link molecules to form complexes (???)

How does sodium citrate work in anticoagulants? (and potassium citrate too)

2 sodium citrates are cross linked by calcium in the blood to form a complex that prevents ionized calcium from initiating the coagulation process. Non toxic but falling out of favor

What are chelates?

-Substances that binds metallic ions to inhibit coagulation

What is the most commonly used chelate?

EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) (excellent sequesterant with few limitations)

What are esters?

Fragrant organic compounds formed by the reaction of an organic acid with an alcohol

What is the general formula of esters?

RCOOR

What is ethyl acetate?

Commonly used ester in sealsants for incisions. Has a fruity odor with low toxicity

What is methyl salicylate?

An ester that is used as a deodarant to mask the harsh smells of embalming fluids