Carboxylic Acids, Esters, and Fats & Oils

Flashcards on Carboxylic Acids, Esters, and Fats & Oils

What are Carboxylic Acids?

Organic compounds containing the carboxyl group (-COOH).

What is the general formula for Carboxylic Acids?

R-COOH

What is the structure of the carboxyl group?

A carbonyl group (C=O) attached to a hydroxyl group (-OH).

What are Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids?

Carboxylic acids with straight or branched carbon chains.

What are Aromatic Carboxylic Acids?

Carboxylic acids with a carboxyl group attached to an aromatic ring.

Why are carboxylic acids considered weak acids?

They partially dissociate in water to release H⁺ ions.

What is the dissociation equation for carboxylic acids in water?

R-COOH ⇌ R-COO⁻ + H⁺

Why do carboxylic acids have higher boiling points?

Hydrogen bonding between molecules.

Why are small carboxylic acids soluble in water?

They can form hydrogen bonds with water.

With what do Carboxylic acids react to form esters?

Alcohols to form esters (esterification).

What are Esters?

Organic compounds derived from carboxylic acids and alcohols.

What is the ester functional group?

-COO-

What is the general formula for Esters?

RCOOR'

How are Esters typically formed?

A carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst.

What is the general reaction for esterification?

RCOOH + R'OH ⇌ RCOOR' + H₂O

Why do esters generally have lower boiling points than carboxylic acids?

Lack of hydrogen bonding.

In what products are Esters often used and why?

Fragrances and flavorings.

Why are esters less soluble in water compared to carboxylic acids?

The absence of hydrogen bonding.

What is Hydrolysis?

Breakdown by water.

What is the hydrolysis reaction for esters?

RCOOR' + H₂O ⇌ RCOOH + R'OH

What are Fats and Oils also known as?

Triglycerides

From what are Fats and oils formed?

Glycerol (a three-carbon alcohol) and fatty acids (long-chain carboxylic acids).

What does a triglyceride consist of?

One glycerol molecule (C₃H₈O₃) bonded to three fatty acids via ester linkages.

What is the general formula for the formation of a triglyceride?

C₃H₈O₃ + 3 RCOOH → RCOO–C₃H₅–OCO–R + 3 H₂O

What are Saturated Fatty Acids?

Fatty acids with single bonds between carbon atoms.

What are Unsaturated Fatty Acids?

Fatty acids with one or more double bonds between carbon atoms.

What are the characteristics of Saturated fats?

Higher melting points and are solid at room temperature.

What are the characteristics of Unsaturated fats?

Lower melting points and are liquid at room temperature.

What is the result of hydrogenating unsaturated oils?

Unsaturated oils can become saturated fats.

What is Rancidity?

Oxidation of fats and oils, leading to off-flavors and nutrient loss.