Organic Chemistry - Carboxylic acids

Carboxylic acids are a homologous series of organic compounds characterized by the carboxyl functional group $-COOH$.

The general formula for the homologous series of carboxylic acids is $C_n H_{2n+1}COOH$, where $n$ is the number of carbon atoms excluding the one in the functional group.

Naming follows IUPAC rules where the suffix '-oic acid' is added to the alkane stem. For example, a two-carbon chain is named ethanoic acid ($CH_3COOH$).

Carboxylic acids are weak acids; they partially dissociate in aqueous solution to release hydrogen ions: $RCOOH ightleftharpoons RCOO^- + H^+$.

They are prepared by the oxidation of primary alcohols using oxidizing agents such as acidified potassium manganate(VII) ($KMnO_4$) or acidified potassium dichromate(VI) ($K_2Cr_2O_7$).

Reaction with metals: Carboxylic acids react with reactive metals to form a salt (carboxylate) and hydrogen gas ($H_2$).

Reaction with carbonates: They react with metal carbonates to produce a salt, water ($H_2O$), and carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), which is used as a test for the carboxyl group.

Esterification: Carboxylic acids react with alcohols in the presence of a concentrated sulfuric acid ($H_2SO_4$) catalyst to form esters and water.