Question 1: Carboxylic acids are a group of organic acids characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH). They are commonly found in natural substances like vinegar and citrus fruits. These acids have distinct chemical reactions and uses in industry.

Answer: Carboxylic acids are organic acids with a carboxyl group (-COOH) that participate in reactions like neutralization and esterification. They are found in natural products and have industrial applications.

Question 1: Define a carboxylic acid.

Answer: A carboxylic acid is an organic compound containing a carboxyl group (-COOH).

Question 2: Name two common natural sources of carboxylic acids.

Answer: Vinegar (acetic acid) and citrus fruits (citric acid).

Question 3: Explain why carboxylic acids are considered weak acids.

Answer: Because they do not completely ionize in water, releasing fewer hydrogen ions compared to strong acids.

Question 1: Describe the process of esterification involving a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.

Answer: Esterification is the reaction where a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an ester and water.

Question 2: What type of reaction occurs when a carboxylic acid reacts with a base like sodium hydroxide?

Answer: Neutralization

Question 3: Write the general chemical equation for the neutralization of acetic acid with sodium hydroxide.

Answer: CH3COOH + NaOH → CH3COONa + H2O

Question 1: Calculate the number of moles in 60 grams of acetic acid (molecular formula: CH3COOH). (Molar mass of CH3COOH = 60 g/mol)

Answer: 1 mol

Question 2: If 0.5 mol of acetic acid reacts with excess sodium hydroxide, how many grams of sodium acetate (CH3COONa) are produced? (Molar mass of CH3COONa = 82 g/mol)

Answer: 41 g

Question 1: Name one industrial application of carboxylic acids and describe its importance.

Answer: Carboxylic acids like acetic acid are used in the production of vinegar, which is important in food preservation and flavoring.

Question 2: List two safety precautions to observe when handling concentrated carboxylic acids in a laboratory.

Answer: Wear gloves and eye protection to prevent skin and eye contact with corrosive acids.

Question 1: A sample of a carboxylic acid has a pH of 2.5. Is this acid considered strong or weak? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: It is a weak acid because its pH is above 2, indicating incomplete ionization in water.

Question 2: Identify a common food product that contains a carboxylic acid and explain its role.

Answer: Vinegar contains acetic acid, which gives it sour taste and preservative qualities.

Question 1: Summarize the key properties and reactions of carboxylic acids.

Answer: Carboxylic acids are organic compounds with a -COOH group, acting as weak acids. They undergo reactions like neutralization with bases, esterification with alcohols, and can be oxidized or reduced under specific conditions. They are important in food, industry, and biological systems.