Carboxylic acids and soaps: the big idea
Carboxylic acids contain the carboxyl group, –COOH. Its polar O–H bond can donate H+, while the hydrocarbon part controls solubility and many physical properties. Long-chain members are fatty acids; their sodium or potassium salts are soaps.
Learning goals
- recognize and name simple monocarboxylic acids;
- connect structure with acidity, solubility, and boiling point;
- write reactions with metals, bases, carbonates, and alcohols;
- explain how soap ions remove grease and why hard water reduces lather.