4.36C: Describe the Reactions of Aqueous Solutions of Carboxylic Acids with Metals and Metal Carbonates

CARBOXYLIC ACIDS: Homologous series of organic compounds that all contain the same functional group -COOH

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REACTIONS OF AQUEOUS CARBOXYLIC ACIDS WITH METALS AND METAL CARBONATES

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• Carboxylic acids are weak acids as they can donate a Hydrogen ion (H+) in acid-base reactions:

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*METALS
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• Carboxylic acids will react with Metals to produce a Salt and Hydrogen gas:

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Metal  +   Carboxylic Acid   →   Salt   +   Hydrogen

Example: Reaction of Ethanol and Sodium

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Magnesium  +   Ethanoic Acid   →   Magnesium Acetate   +   Hydrogen        Mg                  2CH3COOH                  Mg(CH3COO)2                                 H2

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*NON - METALS
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• Carboxylic acids will react with Metal Carbonates to produce a Salt, Water and Carbon Dioxide

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Metal Carbonate   +   Carboxylic Acid   →   Salt   +   Water   +   Carbon Dioxide

Example: Reaction of Ethanol and Sodium

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Sodium Carbonate  +   Ethanoic   →      Sodium     +     Water  +  Carbon Dioxide                                             Acid                Ethoxide            Na2CO3               2CH3COOH            2CH3COONa        H2O                  CO2