Picture of Grant McCondichie

Mr McCondichie

Website security

Unit 2 - Nature's Chemistry Topics:

(a) Systematic Carbon Chemistry

(b) Alcohols

(c) Carboxylic Acids

(d) Esters, Fats and Oils

(e) Soaps, Detergents and Emulsions

(f) Proteins

(g) Oxidation of Food

(h) Fragrances

(i) Skin Care

(c) Carboxylic Acids

Vinegar's chemical name is ethanoic acid, sometimes called acetic acid.

It is a member of a group of compounds called carboxylic acids, which contain the carboxyl functional group (-COOH).

You need to be able to work out the chemical and structural formula for the first four members of the carboxylic acids.

If it is a straight chain hydrocarbon containing the carboxyl functional group it is known as an alkanoic acid.

Carboxylic acids show the normal characteristic reactions of acids and therefore can react with bases. The name of the salt depends on the acid and the base used.

Metal oxide + carboxylic acid → salt + water

e.g.

Magnesium oxide + ethanoic acid → magnesium ethanoate + water


Metal hydroxide + carboxylic acid → salt + water

e.g.

Sodium hydroxide + ethanoic acid → sodium ethanoate + water


Metal carbonate + carboxylic acid → salt + water + carbon dioxide

e.g.

Calcium carbonate + ethanoic acid → calcium ethanoate + water + carbon dioxide