Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Carboxylic Acids: Structure, Examples, Properties, and Reactions, Important Questions Answers, FAQs

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Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

In this article, we will learn about Carboxylic acid, its structure, physical and chemical properties, preparations and others in detail.

Table of Contents

What is a Carboxylic Acid?

An organic substance with a carboxyl functional group is called carboxylic acid. 

They’re found all over the place in nature, and humans can also make them synthetically. Carboxylic acids deprotonate to produce a carboxylate anion with the general formula R-COO–, which can be used to make a variety of salts, including soaps. C=O prominent functional group is carboxylic acids. 

Structure of Carboxylic Acid

Carboxylic Acid consists of -COOH atoms. The open bond attached to the C atom shows that a long carbon chain can be attached to it. Among the two Oxygen atoms, one is attached to the C atom with a double bond, while another O atom is attached to C with an H atom as an alcohol group. For better understanding see the below attached picture.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Examples of Carboxylic Acid

Some examples of carboxylic acids are as follows:

  • Formic Acid (HCOOH)
  • Ethanoic or Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)
  • Citric Acid (C6H8O7)
  • Lactic Acid (C3H6O3)
  • Fumaric Acid (C4H4O4)
  • Oxalic Acid (C2H2O4)
  • Stearic Acid (CH3(CH2)16COOH)

Nomenclature of Carboxylic Acids

To name any carboxylic acid chain, we can use the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the longest chain: Find the longest continuous carbon chain that contains the carboxyl group (–COOH). This chain serves as the parent chain for the name.

Step 2: Number the carbon atoms: Start numbering from the end closest to the carboxyl group, and assign the lowest possible numbers to the carbon atoms bearing the carboxyl group.

Step 3: Name the alkyl groups: If there are alkyl groups attached to the parent chain, identify and name them as substituents. Use prefixes like methyl, ethyl, propyl, etc., to indicate the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group.

Step 4: Name the carboxyl group: The carboxyl group is named “-oic acid.” The carbon atom directly attached to the carboxyl group is numbered carbon 1. For example, a carboxyl group attached to a two-carbon chain is called “ethanoic acid.”

Step 5: Use prefixes for multiple carboxyl groups: If there are multiple carboxyl groups present in the compound, use Greek numerical prefixes like “di-” (two), “tri-” (three), etc., to indicate the number of carboxyl groups. The carbon chain containing the carboxyl groups becomes the parent chain.

Step 6: Include substituents: If there are other functional groups or substituents present in the molecule, name and locate them according to the IUPAC rules.

Example: IUPAC name of compound CH3CH2COOH.

Solution:

This compound contains a two-carbon chain with a carboxyl group i.e., 3 carbon atoms in parent chain. The parent chain is propane, and the carboxyl group is named “oic acid.” Therefore, the name of this compound is “propanoic acid.”

Example: IUPAC name of compound CH3CH2CH2COOH.

Solution:

This compound contains a three-carbon chain with a carboxyl group i.e., 4 carbon atoms in longest chain. The parent chain is butane, and the carboxyl group is named “oic acid.” Therefore, the name of this compound is “butanoic acid.”

Preparation of Carboxylic Acid

Carboxylic can be prepared using various techniques that are discussed below,

Oxidation of Primary Alcohols

Primary alcohols can be oxidized to carboxylic acids using strong oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or chromic acid (H2CrO4). The alcohol is initially converted to an aldehyde, which is further oxidized to the carboxylic acid. The reaction typically requires the presence of an acid catalyst.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Oxidation of Aldehydes

Aldehydes can be oxidized to carboxylic acids using similar oxidizing agents as mentioned above. The aldehyde is directly converted to the carboxylic acid without an intermediate step. The reaction also requires an acid catalyst.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Hydrolysis of Nitriles

Nitriles, which are organic compounds containing a cyano group (C≡N), can be hydrolyzed to carboxylic acids under acidic or basic conditions. In acidic conditions, nitriles are converted to amides, which are then further hydrolyzed to carboxylic acids. In basic conditions, nitriles are directly hydrolyzed to carboxylic acids.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Oxidation of Alkyl Benzenes

Alkyl benzenes, which are aromatic compounds containing an alkyl group attached to a benzene ring, can be oxidized to benzoic acids using strong oxidizing agents like potassium permanganate or chromic acid. The reaction typically requires high temperatures and the presence of an acid catalyst.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Grignard Reaction and Carbon Dioxide

Carboxylic acids can also be prepared by the reaction of a Grignard reagent (organomagnesium compound) with carbon dioxide (CO2). The Grignard reagent reacts with CO2 to form a carboxylate salt, which can be subsequently acidified to yield carboxylic acid.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Physical Properties of Carboxylic Acids

Some physical properties of Carboxylic Acids are as follows:

  • State: Carboxylic acids can exist in different states depending on their molecular weight. Generally, carboxylic acids with a low number of carbon atoms (up to about 5) are liquids at room temperature, while those with a higher number of carbon atoms are typically solids.
  • Odour: Carboxylic acids often have strong, pungent odours. Some examples include acetic acid (vinegar-like smell), formic acid (pungent odour), and butyric acid (rancid butter smell).
  • Solubility: Carboxylic acids with a low number of carbon atoms (up to about 4) are soluble in water as they form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. But as the number of carbon atoms increases, the solubility of carboxylic acids in water decreases. Other then water, carboxylic acids are more soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and methanol.
  • Boiling Points: Carboxylic acids have higher boiling points compared to hydrocarbons of similar molecular weight. This is because the carboxyl group enables the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which increase the strength of the attractive forces between molecules. Thus, carboxylic acids generally have higher boiling points than aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols of comparable molecular weight.
  • Acidity: Carboxylic acids are weak acids that can donate a proton (H+) from the carboxyl group. They are typically more acidic than alcohols but less acidic than mineral acids (such as hydrochloric acid). The acidity of carboxylic acids is due to the stability of the resulting carboxylate ion formed after the loss of a proton.
  • Reactivity: Carboxylic acids undergo various chemical reactions, including esterification (formation of esters), amidation (formation of amides), decarboxylation (loss of carbon dioxide), and oxidation (to form carbon dioxide and water).

Chemical Reactions of Carboxylic Acid

Carboxylic acids are very reactive compounds, thus they go through various different chemical reactions. Some of these reactions are as follows:

Reaction with Metals

Carboxylic acids react with metals like potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium to create salts. A proton will be liberated from the carboxyl group of the carboxylic acid throughout the reaction step, which is where the metal substitution will take place. H2 gas is produced in this process.

2CH3COOH + 2Na ⇢ 2CH3COONa + H2

Reaction with Carbonates and Bicarbonates Reaction

Carboxylic acids decompose into salts, water, and carbon dioxide gas when they come into contact with carbonates and bicarbonates.

2CH3COOH + Na2CO3 ⇢ 2CH3COONa + H2O + CO2

This reaction can also be used to see if a carboxyl group is present. Effervescence is produced when carboxylic acids combine with a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, releasing CO2. In an aqueous NaHCO3 solution, however, most phenols do not produce effervescence. As a result, the reaction of bicarbonate with carboxylic acids aids in the differentiation of phenols from carboxylic acids.

Reaction with Alkali

Carboxylic acids react with alkalis, forming salts and water in the process.

CH3COOH + NaOH ⇢ 2CH3COONa + H2O

Reduction of Carboxylic Acid to Alcohol

Reducing Agents: LiA1H4 in ether solution or with H0 in the presence of copper chromite (CuCr2O4) catalyst, BH3/THF (or diborane, B2H6), H2, Ru, and so on.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution

Carboxylic acids go through nucleophilic substitution, some of these nucleophilic substitutions are: 

Formation of Acid Chlorides

Acid chlorides are formed when carboxylic acids combine with thionyl chloride (SOCl2), phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5), or phosphorus pentachloride. To understand the reaction, look at the examples below.

RCOOH + SOCl2 ⇢ RCOCl + SO2 + HCl

RCOOH + PCl5 ⇢ RCOCl + POCl3 + HCl

Esterification

When carboxylic acids and alcohols are heated in the presence of strong sulphuric acid or dry hydrochloric acid, fruity esters result.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Sulphuric acid is used as a dehydrating agent in this reaction. An equilibrium reaction is a reaction for example. As a result, to keep the reaction moving forward, the ester is distilled.

The generation of acid anhydrides occurs when two molecules of carboxylic acid are heated with a dehydrating agent such as phosphorus pentoxide.

2RCOOH ⇢ RCO-O-RCO + H2O

Amide Compound Formation 

Ammonium salts are produced by treating carboxylic acids with ammonia. Ammonium salts lose a water molecule when heated, resulting in amide production.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Reactions of Carboxyl Group

Carboxyl Group compounds i.e., derivatives of carboxylic acids are also very reactive compounds in nature. Thus, they also go th

Decarboxylation

When sodium salts of carboxylic acids are distilled with soda lime (NaOH + CaO), a decarboxylation process occurs, resulting in alkanes.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Dry Distillation of Calcium Salts:

(RCOO)2Ca{Calcium Salt} ⇢ RCOR{Ketone} + CaCO3

Formaldehyde is produced by heating calcium formate.

(HCOO)2Ca ⇢ HCHO{Formaldehyde} + CaCO3

An aldehyde is generated when a calcium salt of an acid (other than formic acid) and calcium formate are heated together.

(CH3COO)2Ca{calcimu Acetate} + (HCOO)2Ca{Calcium Formate} ⇢ 2CH3CHO{Acetaldehyde} + CaCO3

Conversion to Nitriles

Alkane nitrile is formed by passing a combination of acid and NH3 overheated Alumina.

R-(C=O)-OH  + NH3 ⇢ R-CN + 2H2O

Name Reactions with Carboxylic Acid

There are various name reactions which involve Carboxylic Acids, some of these name reactions are:

  • Kolbe’s Synthesis
  • Hunsdiecker Reaction
  • Hell-Volhard Zelinsky Reaction
  • Simonini Reaction 

Let’s understand these reactions in detail.

Kolbe’s Synthesis 

Alkanes are produced by the electrolysis of fatty acid salts (concentrated aqueous solution).

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

At Anode: 2RCOO– ⇢ R-R + 2CO2 + 2e–

At Cathode: 2Na+ + 2e– ⇢ 2Na ⇢ 2NaoH + H2 

Radial intermediates are present during the reaction.

Hunsdiecker Reaction 

When monocarboxylic acid’s silver salt is treated with halogen, an alkyl halide is produced.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Hell-Volhard Zelinsky Reaction

In the presence of a catalyst, a carboxylic acid with an a-hydrogen is treated with CI2 or Br2. Chlorine or bromine atoms substitute for the α-hydrogen.

RCH2COOH{Carboxylic Acid} + Cl2 ⇢ RCHClCOOH{α-Chlorinated Acid} ⇢ RCCl2COOH{α, α-dichloro Acid}

Simonini Reaction 

Simonini Relations refer to the reaction of silver carboxylic acid salts with iodine.

Carboxylic Acid is a chemical compound that has a functional group that consists of -COOH atoms. Carboxylic acids are sometimes also called Fatty acids. All fatty acids are carboxylic acids but not all carboxylic acids are fatty acids. Fatty acids are aliphatic carboxylic acids that are found in natural fats in the form of glycerol esters and range in length from C12 to C18. The word carboxylic acids come from a carbon molecule that has both a carbonyl and a carboxyl group. Carboxylic acids are precursors for a variety of important organic compounds such as acid chlorides, esters, anhydrides, and amides, among others.

Uses of Carboxylic Acid 

Carboxylic Acids are one of the most used compounds in organic chemistry. Some of these use cases of Carboxylic Acid are as follows:

Food and Beverage Industry

Carboxylic Acids such as acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acids, etc. are used as food additives for flavouring and preservation. For example, Synthetic white vinegar is a diluted solution of acetic acid, citric acid is used as a flavouring agent in the majority of beverages, and lactic acid is a well-known flavour enhancer.

Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

Carboxylic acids are used in the production of pharmaceutical drugs and cosmetic products either as active ingredients, pH adjusters, or preservatives. For instance, salicylic acid is used in acne treatments, and citric acid is used in skincare products for its exfoliating properties.

Polymer Production

Many carboxylic acids are utilized as monomers in the production of various different polymers and plastics. For example, Acrylic and methacrylic acids are used in the production of acrylic polymers, which find applications in paints, adhesives, and textiles.

Detergents and Cleaning Products

Long-chain fatty acids (Which are examples of carboxylic acids) are used in the production of soaps, detergents, and cleaning products.

Agriculture

Carboxylic acids are used in agricultural applications as herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators. For example, acetic acid-based herbicides are used for weed control, and auxin-like carboxylic acids are used to promote plant growth.

Chemical Intermediates

Carboxylic acids serve as important intermediates in the synthesis of various chemicals. They can be used to produce esters, amides, anhydrides, and other derivatives. These derivatives have diverse applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and plastics.

Textile Industry

Carboxylic acids are used in textile dyeing and printing processes. They act as mordants, which help fix the dyes onto the fabric, improving colour fastness.

Industrial Processes

Carboxylic acids find applications in various industrial processes. For example, formic acid is used in leather tanning, acetic acid is used in the production of vinyl acetate for adhesives, and adipic acid is used in the synthesis of nylon.

Summary

The basics of carboxylic acid are summarised below,

Carboxylic Acids Functional Group

The functional group of the carboxylic acid is -COOH

Carboxylic Acids General Formula

The general form of the carboxylic acid is R-COOH

Carboxylic Acids Examples

Various examples of carboxylic acid are, 

  • Formic Acid (HCOOH)
  • Ethanoic or Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)
  • Citric Acid (C6H8O7)
  • Lactic Acid (C3H6O3)
  • Fumaric Acid (C4H4O4)
  • Oxalic Acid (C2H2O4)
  • Stearic Acid (CH3(CH2)16COOH), etc.

Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

The compounds that are derived from the carboxylic acid are called the derivatives of the carboxylic acid. Various derivatives of the carboxylic acid are,

  • Ester
  • Acidic Anhydride
  • Amide
  • Acul halide
  • Thioester, etc

Sample Questions on Carboxylic Acid(FAQs)

Question 1: What carbon compounds make up the carboxylic group?

Answer:

Carboxylic acids are carbon compounds containing the carboxyl group (–COOH). The carboxyl group is made up of a carbonyl group (>C=O) and a hydroxyl group (−OH).

Question 2: What is an example of aromatic carboxylic acid?

Answer :

The simplest aromatic acid is Benzoic Acid. It is an aromatic acid becase it has a specific aroma.

Question 3: What are the uses of Carboxylic Acid?

Answer:

Uses of Carboxylic Acid are,

  1. Carboxylic acid has antimicrobial properties.
  2. In textile treatments, the most basic carboxylic acid, “formic acid,” serves as a reducing agent.
  3. Acetic acid, a carboxylic acid, is used to make esters and cellulose plastics.
  4. Soaps, medications, candles, cosmetics, protective coatings, and other products contain palmitic acid and stearic acid.

Question 4: What causes carboxylic acids to be acidic?

Answer:

The hydrogen in the -COOH group makes the carboxylic acids acidic, according to the definition of an acid they are  “compounds that donate protons (hydrogen ions) to other substances.” In the aqueous solution, carboxylic acid releases hydrogen atoms and thus, it is considered to be acidic.

FAQs on Carboxylic Acid

Q1:  What is Carboxylic Acid?

Answer:

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a carbon atom. They are characterized by their functional group, which consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to the same carbon atom. 

Q2: What are Examples of Carboxylic Acids?

Answer:

Some examples of carboxylic acids include acetic acid (CH3COOH), formic acid (HCOOH), citric acid (C6H8O7), benzoic acid (C6H5COOH), and butyric acid (CH3CH2CH2COOH). Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and stearic acid, are also carboxylic acids.

Q3: How are Carboxylic Acids Formed?

Answer:

There are various methods of preparation of Carboxylic acids but the most common way is the oxidation of primary alcohols or aldehydes. For example, the oxidation of ethanol (CH3CH2OH) produces acetic acid (CH3COOH).

Q4: What are the Physical Properties of Carboxylic Acids?

Answer:

Some of the physical properties of carboxylic acids are:

  • Carboxylic acids can exist as liquids or solids depending on their molecular weight.
  • Carboxylic acids often have strong, pungent odors.
  • Carboxylic acids with a low number of carbon atoms are soluble in water, but solubility decreases with increasing carbon chain length.
  • They have higher boiling points compared to hydrocarbons of similar molecular weight.
  • Carboxylic acids are weak acids, more acidic than alcohols but less acidic than mineral acids.

Q5: What are Uses of Carboxylic Acids?

Answer:

Some common uses of some carboxylic acids are as follows:

  • Acetic acid is used in the production of vinegar. 
  • Formic acid is utilized in leather tanning and as a preservative. 
  • Citric acid is a common food additive and is used in beverages. 
  • Some carboxylic acids are used in the synthesis of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and fragrances.

Q6: Are Carboxylic Acids Acidic in Nature?

Answer:

Yes, carboxylic acids are acidic compounds due to the presence of the carboxyl group.

Er. Neeraj K.Anand is a freelance mentor and writer who specializes in Engineering & Science subjects. Neeraj Anand received a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from N.I.T Warangal & M.Tech Post Graduation from IETE, New Delhi. He has over 30 years of teaching experience and serves as the Head of Department of ANAND CLASSES. He concentrated all his energy and experiences in academics and subsequently grew up as one of the best mentors in the country for students aspiring for success in competitive examinations. In parallel, he started a Technical Publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS" in 2002 and Educational Newspaper "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS" in 2014 at Jalandhar. Now he is a Director of leading publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS", "ANAND CLASSES" and "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS". He has published more than hundred books in the field of Physics, Mathematics, Computers and Information Technology. Besides this he has written many books to help students prepare for IIT-JEE and AIPMT entrance exams. He is an executive member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. USA) and honorary member of many Indian scientific societies such as Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, Aeronautical Society of India, Bioinformatics Institute of India, Institution of Engineers. He has got award from American Biographical Institute Board of International Research in the year 2005.

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CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus Download PDF

Below is the CBSE Class 12 Syllabus along with the marking scheme and time duration of the Chemistry exam.

S.NoTitleNo. of PeriodsMarks
1Solutions107
2Electrochemistry129
3Chemical Kinetics107
4d -and f -Block Elements127
5Coordination Compounds127
6Haloalkanes and Haloarenes106
7Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers106
8Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids108
9Amines106
10Biomolecules127
Total70

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Practical Syllabus along with Marking Scheme

The following is a breakdown of the marks for practical, project work, class records, and viva. The total number of marks for all parts is 15. The marks for both terms are provided in the table below.

Evaluation Scheme for ExaminationMarks
Volumetric Analysis08
Salt Analysis08
Content-Based Experiment06
Project Work and Viva04
Class record and Viva04
Total30

CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus (Chapter-wise)

Unit -1: Solutions

  • Raoult's law.
  • Colligative properties - relative lowering of vapour pressure, elevation of boiling point, depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure, determination of molecular masses using colligative properties, abnormal molecular mass.
  • Solutions, Types of solutions, expression of concentration of solutions of solids in liquids, solubility of gases in liquids, solid solutions.
  • Van't Hoff factor.

Unit -2: Electrochemistry

  • Redox reactions, EMF of a cell, standard electrode potential
  • Nernst equation and its application to chemical cells
  • Relation between Gibbs energy change and EMF of a cell
  • Kohlrausch's Law
  • Electrolysis and law of electrolysis (elementary idea)
  • Dry cell-electrolytic cells and Galvanic cells
  • Conductance in electrolytic solutions, specific and molar conductivity, variations of conductivity with concentration.
  • Lead accumulator
  • Fuel cells

Unit -3: Chemical Kinetics

  • Rate of a reaction (Average and instantaneous)
  • Rate law and specific rate constant
  • Integrated rate equations and half-life (only for zerfirst-order order reactions)
  • Concept of collision theory (elementary idea, no mathematical treatment)
  • Factors affecting rate of reaction: concentration, temperature, catalyst;
  • Order and molecularity of a reaction
  • Activation energy
  • Arrhenius equation

Unit -4: d and f Block Elements  

  • Lanthanoids- Electronic configuration, oxidation states, chemical reactivity and lanthanoid contraction and its consequences.
  • Actinoids- Electronic configuration, oxidation states and comparison with lanthanoids.
  • General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence and characteristics of transition metals, general trends in properties of the first-row transition metals – metallic character, ionization enthalpy, oxidation states, ionic radii, color, catalytic property, magnetic properties, interstitial compounds, alloy formation, preparation and properties of K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4.

Unit -5: Coordination Compounds  

  • Coordination compounds - Introduction, ligands, coordination number, color, magnetic properties and shapes
  • The importance of coordination compounds (in qualitative analysis, extraction of metals and biological system).
  • IUPAC nomenclature of mononuclear coordination compounds.
  • Bonding
  • Werner's theory, VBT, and CFT; structure and stereoisomerism

Unit -6: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes  

  • Haloarenes: Nature of C–X bond, substitution reactions (Directive influence of halogen in monosubstituted compounds only). Uses and environmental effects of - dichloromethane, trichloro methane, tetrachloromethane, iodoform, freons, DDT.
  • Haloalkanes: Nomenclature, nature of C–X bond, physical and chemical properties, optical rotation mechanism of substitution reactions.

Unit -7: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers   

  • Phenols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, acidic nature of phenol, electrophilic substitution reactions, uses of phenols.
  • Ethers: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses.
  • Alcohols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties (of primary alcohols only), identification of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, mechanism of dehydration, and uses with special reference to methanol and ethanol.

Unit -8: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids   

  • Carboxylic Acids: Nomenclature, acidic nature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties; uses.
  • Aldehydes and Ketones: Nomenclature, nature of carbonyl group, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, mechanism of nucleophilic addition, the reactivity of alpha hydrogen in aldehydes, uses.

Unit -9: Amines    

  • Diazonium salts: Preparation, chemical reactions and importance in synthetic organic chemistry.
  • Amines: Nomenclature, classification, structure, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses, and identification of primary, secondary and tertiary amines.

Unit -10: Biomolecules     

  • Proteins -Elementary idea of - amino acids, peptide bond, polypeptides, proteins, structure of proteins - primary, secondary, tertiary structure and quaternary structures (qualitative idea only), denaturation of proteins; enzymes. Hormones - Elementary idea excluding structure.
  • Vitamins - Classification and functions.
  • Carbohydrates - Classification (aldoses and ketoses), monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), D-L configuration oligosaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, glycogen); Importance of carbohydrates.
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA.

The syllabus is divided into three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. Part A consist of Basic Concepts of Chemistry, which covers topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, and thermochemistry. Part B consists of Topics in Physical Chemistry, which includes topics such as chemical kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Part C consists of Topics in Organic Chemistry, which covers topics such as alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds.

Basic Concepts of Chemistry:

  • Atomic structure: This section covers the fundamental concepts of atomic structure, including the electronic configuration of atoms, the Bohr model of the atom, and the wave nature of matter.
  • Chemical bonding: This section covers the different types of chemical bonds, including ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds, as well as the concept of hybridization.
  • States of the matter: This section covers the three states of matter - solid, liquid, and gas - and the factors that influence their properties.
  • Thermochemistry: This section covers the principles of thermochemistry, including the laws of thermodynamics and the concept of enthalpy.

Chapters in Physical Chemistry:

  • Chemical kinetics: This section covers the study of the rate of chemical reactions and the factors that influence it, including the concentration of reactants, temperature, and the presence of catalysts.
  • Equilibrium: This section covers the principles of chemical equilibrium, including the concept of Le Chatelier's principle and the equilibrium constant.
  • Electrochemistry: This section covers the principles of electrochemistry, including the concept of half-cell reactions, galvanic cells, and electrolysis.

Chapters in Organic Chemistry:

  • Alkanes: This section covers the properties and reactions of alkanes, including their structure, isomerism, and combustion.
  • Alkenes: This section covers the properties and reactions of alkenes, including their structure, isomerism, and addition reactions.
  • Alkynes: This section covers the properties and reactions of alkynes, including their structure, isomerism, and addition reactions.
  • Aromatic compounds: This section covers the properties and reactions of aromatic compounds, including their structure, isomerism, and electrophilic substitution reactions.

In addition to the topics covered in the syllabus, the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry exam also tests students on their analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to apply the concepts learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

Students can also check out the Tips for the Class 12 Chemistry Exam. They can easily access the Class 12 study material in one place by visiting the CBSE Class 12 page at ANAND CLASSES (A School Of Competitions). Moreover, to get interactive lessons and study videos, download the ANAND CLASSES (A School Of Competitions) App.

Frequently Asked Questions on CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Syllabus

Q1

How many chapters are there in the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry as per the syllabus?

There are 10 chapters in the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry as per Syllabus. Students can learn all these chapters efficiently using the study materials provided at ANAND CLASSES (A School Of Competitions).

Q2

What is the marking scheme for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry practical exam according to the syllabus?

The marking scheme for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry practical exam, according to the syllabus, is 8 marks for volumetric analysis, 8 marks for salt analysis, 6 marks for the content-based experiment, 4 marks for the project and viva and 4 marks for class record and viva.

Q3

Which is the scoring chapter in Chemistry as per CBSE Class 12 syllabus?

The chapter Electrochemistry in Chemistry is the scoring chapter as per CBSE Class 12 syllabus.

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