Question

How are carboxylic acids synthesized? Give an example of an organic acid and the molecule from which it is synthesized. What type of reaction is this?

Short answer

Carboxylic acids are typically synthesized through the oxidation of primary alcohols or aldehydes using oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or chromic acid (H2CrO4). For instance, acetic acid (CH3COOH), an organic acid, is synthesized from ethanol (CH3CH2OH) through oxidation. This type of synthesis is classified as an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction, where the oxidizing agent gains electrons from the substance being oxidized, leading to the creation of a carboxylic acid.

Step-by-step solution

Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are synthesized through various methods, one of the most common being the oxidation of primary alcohols or aldehydes. These oxidation reactions typically involve the use of an oxidizing agent, such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or chromic acid (H2CrO4).

Example of an Organic Acid and its Precursor Molecule

A common example of an organic acid is acetic acid (CH3COOH). Acetic acid is synthesized from the oxidation of its precursor molecule, which is a primary alcohol known as ethanol (CH3CH2OH).

Type of Reaction for the Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids

The synthesis of carboxylic acids, specifically the oxidation of primary alcohols or aldehydes, is an example of an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction. In these reactions, the oxidizing agent gains electrons from the substance being oxidized, while the substance being oxidized loses electrons, ultimately leading to the formation of a carboxylic acid.