Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain the carboxyl group (-COOH). This group gives them their acidic nature and important chemical properties.
They are commonly found in nature, such as acetic acid in vinegar and various acids in fruits. Carboxylic acids are widely used in industries for making medicines, plastics, and other useful chemicals.
In this unit, students will study their nomenclature, preparation methods, physical properties, and reactions, along with important compounds like acetic acid and amino acids.
📥 Download Class 12 Chemistry Unit 13 Carboxylic Acids Notes
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❓ FAQ – Carboxylic Acids (Class 12 Chemistry Unit 13)
Q1: What is a carboxylic acid?
Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain the carboxyl group (-COOH), which gives them acidic properties.
Q2: What is the general formula of carboxylic acids?
The general formula is R–COOH, where R is an alkyl or aryl group.
Q3: Why are carboxylic acids acidic?
They are acidic because the -COOH group can release H⁺ ions in solution.
Q4: What is the most common example of carboxylic acid?
Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), which is present in vinegar, is the most common example.
Q5: What are amino acids?
Amino acids are organic compounds that contain both -NH₂ (amino group) and -COOH (carboxyl group). They are the building blocks of proteins.
📝 MCQs – Carboxylic Acids
1. Carboxylic acids contain which functional group?
(a) –OH
(b) –CHO
(c) –COOH
(d) –NH₂
✔ Answer: (c) –COOH
2. The IUPAC name of acetic acid is:
(a) Methanoic acid
(b) Ethanoic acid
(c) Propanoic acid
(d) Butanoic acid
✔ Answer: (b) Ethanoic acid
3. Carboxylic acids are generally:
(a) Basic
(b) Neutral
(c) Weak acids
(d) Strong bases
✔ Answer: (c) Weak acids
4. Acetic acid is commonly found in:
(a) Lemon juice
(b) Vinegar
(c) Milk
(d) Water
✔ Answer: (b) Vinegar
5. Amino acids contain which two functional groups?
(a) –OH and –CHO
(b) –NH₂ and –COOH
(c) –COOH and –COO
(d) –NH₂ and –OH
✔ Answer: (b) –NH₂ and –COOH
6. Carboxylic acids can be prepared from nitriles by:
(a) Reduction
(b) Hydrolysis
(c) Oxidation
(d) Dehydration
✔ Answer: (b) Hydrolysis
7. General formula of carboxylic acids is:
(a) R–OH
(b) R–CHO
(c) R–COOH
(d) R–NH₂
✔ Answer: (c) R–COOH