carboxyl functional group = carbonyl + hydroxyl
weak acids: partially dissociate into carboxylate- + H+ in water
carboxylic acid + carbonate CO32- = salt + CO2 + H2O
Esterification
carboxylic acid + alcohol + conc sulphuric acid catalyst + heat ⇌ ester + water
Esters: -COO-
1. alkyl group from alcohol
2. -oate
hydrolysis – reflux
acid: dilute H2SO4 catalyst + water ⇌ alcohol + carboxylic acid = reversible
alkaline: dilute NaOH → alcohol + Nacarboxylate = irreversible
uses
- perfume & food flavouring – sweet smell
- glue & printing ink solvents: polar (polar solutes) + low boiling point (evaporate easily)
- plasticisers: make plastics more flexible
fats & oils = esters: fatty acids (long-chain carboxylic acids) + glycerol
- Animal fats: solid at room temp – saturated (pack closely) = high VDW
- Vegetable oils: liquid at room temp – unsaturated (don’t pack closely) = weak VDW
NaOH alkaline hydrolysis = glycerol + soap (sodium salt of long-chain carboxylic acid)
biodiesel: mixture of methyl esters of fatty acids (long-chain carboxylic acids)
vegetable oil + methanol + KOH catalyst → glycerol + methyl ester