Carboxylic Acids, Typical Acids and Esters | Organic Chemistry | Chemistry | FuseSchool

Summary

This educational video delves into the world of carboxylic acids, highlighting their prevalence in nature with examples like formic, acetic, and oxalic acids. It explains their chemical structure, featuring the carboxy group, and demonstrates typical acid reactions such as with metals, bases, and carbonates. A key focus is on esterification, a reaction with alcohols to form esters, which are showcased through their diverse applications in flavorings, perfumes, and the production of soap. The video also hints at the Le Chatelier's principle, promising further exploration in a related video.

Takeaways

• 🐜 Carboxylic acids are widespread in nature and include formic acid, acetic acid, and oxalic acid.
• 🌿 Formic acid gets its name from the Latin 'formica', referring to ants, as ants use it to subdue their prey.
• 🍷 Acetic acid, known as vinegar when diluted, is derived from the oxidation of ethanol, hinting at its origin from sour wine.
• 🌿 Oxalic acid is toxic and is found in rhubarb leaves, cautioning against their consumption.
• 🔬 Carboxylic acids contain the carboxyl group, which consists of a carbonyl and a hydroxyl group.
• ⚛️ They exhibit typical acid reactions, such as reacting with metals to form salts and hydrogen, with bases to form salts and water, and with carbonates to produce salts, carbon dioxide, and water.
• 🔄 Esterification is a significant reaction where carboxylic acids react with alcohols to form esters and water; this is a reversible process.
• 🧪 A few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid are often added to esterification reactions to act as a catalyst and to remove water, shifting the equilibrium.
• 🍋 Esters are known for their characteristic smells and are used in flavorings and perfumes, with examples like methyl butyrate (bananas), pentyl acetate (pears), and octyl acetate (oranges).
• 🧼 Animal and vegetable fats and oils, as well as soap, are derived from the esterification of long-chain fatty acids with glycerol.

Q & A

What is the common name for methanolic acid?

Methanolic acid is commonly called formic acid.

Why is formic acid associated with ants?

Formic acid is associated with ants because it is the compound red ants inject into their prey.

What is the origin of the name 'acetic acid'?

Acetic acid is named from the Latin 'acetum', meaning sour wine, as it is produced when wine, which contains ethanol, is oxidized in the air.

Why is vinegar a dilute solution of ethanoic acid?

Vinegar is a dilute solution of ethanoic acid because it contains acetic acid, which is the result of ethanol oxidation.

What is the common name for ethane dioic acid and why is it toxic?

Ethane dioic acid is commonly called oxalic acid, and it is toxic, which is why we should never eat rhubarb leaves that contain it.

What group do carboxylic acids contain and what is it composed of?

Carboxylic acids contain the carboxy group, which is composed of a carbonyl group and a hydroxy group.

How do carboxylic acids react with metals?

Carboxylic acids react with metals to form a salt and release hydrogen gas.

What happens when a carboxylic acid reacts with a base?

When a carboxylic acid reacts with a base, it forms a salt and water.

What is the reaction between a carboxylic acid and a carbonate?

The reaction between a carboxylic acid and a carbonate produces a salt, carbon dioxide, and water.

What is esterification and how does it occur?

Esterification is the reaction where carboxylic acids react with alcohols to produce an ester and water. This is a reversible reaction, often catalyzed by a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid, which also helps shift the equilibrium to the right by removing the water formed, following Le Chatelier's principle.

What are esters used for in the catering and cosmetic industries?

Esters are used in the catering and cosmetic industries for their characteristic smells, which are responsible for the flavors of foods and the scents of flowers, making them useful as flavorings and in perfumes.

What is the relationship between animal fats, vegetable oils, and esters?

Animal fats, vegetable oils, and soaps are all esters. They are formed from the reaction of long-chain fatty acids with glycerol for fats and oils, and with the salts of fatty acids for soap.