Carboxylic acids up to four carbon atoms are completely miscible with water because
Correct answer: C. the carboxyl group forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules
- A. they ionise completely
- B. they are non polar
- C. the carboxyl group forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules
- D. they react with water chemically
Explanation
Both the carbonyl oxygen and the hydroxyl hydrogen can take part in hydrogen bonding with water, so the smaller acids dissolve freely, and solubility then falls as the hydrocarbon chain grows and dominates the molecule. Complete ionisation is not the reason, since these are weak acids only slightly dissociated in solution. Dissolving is a physical process, not a chemical reaction.
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About Reactivity of Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic acids show acidic behaviour because their carboxylate ions are resonance-stabilised, and electron-withdrawing groups can change their strength. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, formation of acid chlorides and amides, reduction, decarboxylation and substitution at the acyl carbon, which differs from the reactions of phenols.
Practise Carboxylic Acids
550 free Carboxylic Acids MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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