What are carboxylic acids? Mention its properties and uses?
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Solution
Part 1: Carboxylic acids
Carbon compounds containing a carboxyl functional group are known as carboxylic acids.
The carboxyl group is made up of a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group.
Part 2: Properties of carboxylic acid
Carboxylic acid participates in hydrogen bonding due to the presence of the carbonyl group, and the hydroxyl group. So, they are higher boiling liquids as compared to aldehyde and ketones.
Simple aliphatic carboxylic acids with up to four carbon atoms are miscible in water due to the formation of hydrogen bonding with water.
At room temperature, aliphatic carboxylic acids with up to nine carbon atoms are colorless liquids with unpleasant odors.
Carboxylic acids are also soluble in less polar organic solvents such as chloroform, ether, benzene, and alcohol.
Part 3: Uses of carboxylic acid
Carboxylic acids are used to make a variety of essential organic compounds, including anhydrides, esters, acid chlorides, and amides.
In the rubber, textile, and leather industries, carboxylic acids are used extensively.