Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives

These flashcards cover key concepts related to carboxylic acids and their derivatives, including definitions, properties, and reactions.

Carboxyl Group

The combination of a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group on the same carbon atom.

Carboxylic Acid

A compound containing the carboxyl group; these compounds are known for being distinctly acidic.

Hydrogen-bonded Dimer

A stable structure formed by carboxylic acids which leads to higher boiling points.

Hydrolysis

A chemical process of breaking down a compound by reaction with water; significant in converting nitriles to carboxylic acids.

Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution

A reaction where one nucleophile replaces another on the acyl carbon atom, commonly done with carboxylic acid derivatives.

Electron-withdrawing Group

A substituent that pulls electron density away from the rest of the molecule, affecting the acidity of carboxylic acids.

Acyclic Compounds

Compounds that do not have a cyclic structure; in this context, they refer to non-cyclic carboxylic acid derivatives.

Esters

Carboxylic acid derivatives formed when the hydroxyl group is replaced by an alkoxy group.

Saponification

A process where esters are converted into carboxylic acids through treatment with sodium hydroxide.

Amides

Compounds formed from carboxylic acids and ammonia or an amine, known for their stability.