Structure and Uses of Carboxylic Acids
Contents
• Structure and uses of carboxylic acids
Learning
Objectives
At the end of this lecture, student will be able to
• Explain the qualitative tests for carboxylic acids
• Write the structure and uses of carboxylic acids
Acetic acid
Structure
• Systematically ethanoic acid
• Undiluted- glacial acetic acid
• Vinegar- roughly 3-9% acetic acid
Uses
• Chemical reagent
• Good solvent, recrystallization solvent
• Analytical titrations
Lactic Acid
Structure
Use
– Pharmaceutical aid as tablet & capsule diluent
– In topical preparations and cosmetics to adjust acidity
– Disinfectant
– Keratolytic
Tartaric
Acid
Structure
Use
– Pharmaceutical aid (buffering agent)
Citric Acid
Structure
• Organic tricarboxylic acid
Use
– Pharmaceutical aid
– Anticoagulant for the storage of whole blood
– Acidifier, flavoring and chelating agent
Succinic
acid
Structure
• Dicarboxylic acid
Uses
• Precursor to polymers, resins and solvents
• Food additive and dietary supplement
• Flavoring agent, acidity regulator
Oxalic acid
Structure
• Simplest dicarboxylic acid
Uses
• Reducing agent, chelating agent
• Cleaning or bleaching, especially for removal of rust
• Dye fixative
Salicylic
Acid
Structure
Use
– Keratolytic
Benzoic
acid
Structure
• Simple aromatic carboxylic acid
Uses
• Production of phenols by oxidative decarboxylation at
300-400 0C
• Precursor to plasticizers, sodium benzoate and other
preservatives
• Constituent of Whitefield’s ointment- fungal skin diseases
• As expectorant, analgesic, and antiseptic
Benzyl
Benzoate
Structure
Use
– Anti parasitic (scabicide)
Dimethyl
Phthalate
Structure
Use
– Insect repellant (skin application)
Methyl
Salicylate
Structure
Use
– Counter irritant and pharmaceutical aid
Acetyl
salicylic acid
Structure
Use
– Analgesic and antipyretic
Summary
• Acetic acid is a good solvent
• Citric Acid
• Anticoagulant for the storage of whole blood
• Methyl Salicylate is Counter irritant and pharmaceutical
aid
• Acetyl salicylic acid is analgesic and antipyretic