MDCAT Carboxylic Acids 2026

Acidity

• Stronger than alcohols (resonance stabilises carboxylate)
• Electron-withdrawing groups (Cl, NO₂) increase acidity

Key Reactions

• Esterification — with alcohol/H⁺ → ester + water
• Salt formation — with NaOH → sodium salt + water
• Decarboxylation — soda-lime + heat → alkane + CO₂
• Reduction (LiAlH₄) → primary alcohol

Pair with Aldehydes & Ketones.