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TASChemistryQuick questions
Unit 4: Structure, Synthesis and Design
Quick questions on Carboxylic acids and esters - TCE Chemistry (Tasmania)
2short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are carboxylic acids as weak acids?Show answer
The carboxyl group donates a proton to give a carboxylate ion, but only partly, so carboxylic acids are weak acids:
What are hydrolysis of esters?Show answer
Esters can be split back into their components by hydrolysis. Acid hydrolysis with water and an acid catalyst reverses esterification, giving the carboxylic acid and the alcohol. Base hydrolysis (saponification) with sodium hydroxide gives the carboxylate salt and the alcohol, and goes to completion because the salt does not react back. Saponification of fats and oils produces soap.
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