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WalesChemistryQuick questions
Unit 4: Organic Chemistry and Analysis
Quick questions on Carboxylic acids and derivatives - WJEC A-Level Chemistry
7short 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 is reactivity of the derivatives explained?Show answer
The reactivity order acyl chloride > anhydride > ester > acid follows the leaving group released when a nucleophile attacks the carbonyl carbon. An acyl chloride loses chloride, a weak base and excellent leaving group, so it reacts fastest. An anhydride loses a carboxylate ion, a slightly poorer leaving group. An ester loses an alkoxide and an acid loses hydroxide, both poor leaving groups, so they react slowest and often only as reversible equilibria.
What is aspirin synthesis?Show answer
Aspirin is made by acylating salicylic acid with ethanoic anhydride, the preferred industrial acylating agent because it is cheaper and less corrosive than the acyl chloride. Polyesters. Esterification of diacids with diols produces polyesters such as Terylene, used in fabrics and bottles, an industrial-scale application of the ester linkage.
What is q1?Show answer
State the observation when a carboxylic acid is added to sodium carbonate. [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
Name the product of the reaction between ethanoyl chloride and water. [1 mark]
What is q3?Show answer
State which is the more reactive acylating agent: an ester or an acyl chloride. [1 mark]
What is q4?Show answer
Explain why an acyl chloride reacts faster with an alcohol than a carboxylic acid does. [2 marks]
What is q5?Show answer
Name the product of refluxing ethyl ethanoate with aqueous sodium hydroxide. [1 mark]
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