Carboxylic Lab Report
INTRODUCTION:
Carboxylic acids are organic acids characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group, -COOH. This acid acts as a weak acid, which can react with a strong base. Carboxylic acids form hydrogen bonds with many water molecules and are more soluble with one to four carbon atoms. Also, it may have an R group that consist of hydrogen or an alkyl group that changes its water solubility. Carboxylic acids with low molecular weight have odor at room temperature and higher molecular weight are solid and have low vapor pressure which have less molecules that allow us to smell it (Staudt 80).
When H in the carboxyl group is replaced with an alkyl group, it becomes an ester group. “The reaction typically gives 60-70% of the maximum yield” (Staudt, 80). The reaction of an ester could also be reversible to make carboxylic acid and alcohol; this process is called hydrolysis. But when, “the base-promoted decomposition of esters yield an alcohol and a salt of the carboxylic acids; this process is called saponification”; In other words, it is the process of making soap (Staudt 80). Moreover, Esters are liquid at room temperature no matter how low or high their molecular weight is; therefore, they have high vapor pressure and provide stronger odor that is distinguishable (Staudt 80).
It is easy to distinguished between carboxylic acids and esters through their distinctive odors. Carboxylic acids usually have a sour odor that is not distinguishable with any specific scent. Meanwhile, “esters have sweet and pleasant odors often associated with fruits” (Staudt 80).
In this lab, solubility in water, acidity, and odors of carboxylic acids will be observed. Also, esters will be produce and odors will be detected from the product. Finally, saponification will be learned.
PROCEDURE:
Carboxylic Acids and Their Salts: Characteristics of acetic acid:
2mL of water and 10 drops of glacial acetic acid was placed into a clean, dry test tube. Before
Carboxylic acids are organic acids characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group, -COOH. This acid acts as a weak acid, which can react with a strong base. Carboxylic acids form hydrogen bonds with many water molecules and are more soluble with one to four carbon atoms. Also, it may have an R group that consist of hydrogen or an alkyl group that changes its water solubility. Carboxylic acids with low molecular weight have odor at room temperature and higher molecular weight are solid and have low vapor pressure which have less molecules that allow us to smell it (Staudt 80).
When H in the carboxyl group is replaced with an alkyl group, it becomes an ester group. “The reaction typically gives 60-70% of the maximum yield” (Staudt, 80). The reaction of an ester could also be reversible to make carboxylic acid and alcohol; this process is called hydrolysis. But when, “the base-promoted decomposition of esters yield an alcohol and a salt of the carboxylic acids; this process is called saponification”; In other words, it is the process of making soap (Staudt 80). Moreover, Esters are liquid at room temperature no matter how low or high their molecular weight is; therefore, they have high vapor pressure and provide stronger odor that is distinguishable (Staudt 80).
It is easy to distinguished between carboxylic acids and esters through their distinctive odors. Carboxylic acids usually have a sour odor that is not distinguishable with any specific scent. Meanwhile, “esters have sweet and pleasant odors often associated with fruits” (Staudt 80).
In this lab, solubility in water, acidity, and odors of carboxylic acids will be observed. Also, esters will be produce and odors will be detected from the product. Finally, saponification will be learned.
PROCEDURE:
Carboxylic Acids and Their Salts: Characteristics of acetic acid:
2mL of water and 10 drops of glacial acetic acid was placed into a clean, dry test tube. Before
Cited: Staudt, Maureen, and Michael Stranz, eds. Survey of Chemistry Lab. Mason: Cengage Learning, 2010. 80. Print.