Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why carboxylic acids have higher boiling points than alcohols, ketones, and alkenes of similar molecular weight?

Accepted Answer

Carboxylic acids can form extensive hydrogen bonding networks and have two polar groups, increasing intermolecular forces.

Question 2

What is the correct IUPAC name for the following compound: $$\mathrm{CH_3CH_2CH_2COOH}$$?

Accepted Answer

Butanoic acid

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the resonance stabilization of the carboxylate ion formed from a carboxylic acid?

Accepted Answer

The negative charge is delocalized over both oxygen atoms, increasing stability.

Question 4

A carboxylic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide ($$\mathrm{NaOH}) in $$water. What is the main product of this reaction?

Accepted Answer

A carboxylate salt and water

Question 5

Which of the following substituents on a benzoic acid ring will increase the acidity of the carboxylic acid group?

Accepted Answer

A nitro group ($$-NO_2$) at the para position

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct description of a micelle formed by sodium stearate in water?

Accepted Answer

Polar carboxylate groups are on the outside, nonpolar hydrocarbon tails are on the inside.

Question 7

Which reaction is used industrially to synthesize Ibuprofen, as shown in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis of nitriles

Question 8

Which of the following carboxylic acids is most soluble in water?

Accepted Answer

Butanoic acid ($$\mathrm{CH_3CH_2CH_2COOH})$$

Question 9

Which reagent is commonly used to reduce carboxylic acids to primary alcohols?

Accepted Answer

Lithium aluminum hydride ($$\mathrm{$$LiAlH_4$$})$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct statement about alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)?

Accepted Answer

They contain a hydroxyl group on the carbon adjacent to the carboxyl group.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a commercial application of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of nylon

Question 12

What is the main reason carboxylic acids are considered the most acidic organic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Resonance stabilization of the carboxylate ion

Question 13

Which of the following reactions is known as Fischer esterification?

Accepted Answer

Carboxylic acid reacts with alcohol to form an ester and water

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the amphiphilic nature of carboxylate salts such as sodium stearate?

Accepted Answer

They have both hydrophilic (polar) and hydrophobic (nonpolar) regions.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct step in the preparation of carboxylic acids from nitriles?

Accepted Answer

Heating nitriles with acid or base to hydrolyze them to carboxylic acids

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-life application of carboxylic acid salts?

Accepted Answer

Used as preservatives in foods such as cheese and bread

Question 17

Which of the following equations correctly represents the acid-base reaction of acetic acid with sodium hydroxide?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3COOH + NaOH \rightarrow CH_3COONa + H_2O}$$

Question 18

Which of the following statements about fatty acids is correct?

Accepted Answer

Fatty acids are long-chain carboxylic acids, typically 12-18 carbons, and are insoluble in water.

Question 19

Which of the following is true about dicarboxylic acids?

Accepted Answer

They contain two carboxyl groups and ionize in two steps.

Carboxylic Acids: Structure, Properties, Nomenclature, Preparation, and Reactions

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards