11.5

Carboxylic acids

12 flashcards to master Carboxylic acids

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Definition Flip

What type of bond is present in alkenes?

Answer Flip

Alkenes contain a double carbon-carbon covalent bond. This double bond makes them unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Key Concept Flip

What is cracking and what conditions are required?

Answer Flip

Cracking is the process of breaking down larger alkane molecules into smaller, more useful alkanes and alkenes. It requires a high temperature (heat) and a catalyst.

Key Concept Flip

Why is cracking of larger alkane molecules important?

Answer Flip

Cracking is important because it converts less useful, long-chain alkanes into smaller, more in-demand hydrocarbons like ethene (used to make plastics) and gasoline (fuel).

Key Concept Flip

How can you distinguish between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons?

Answer Flip

Unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkenes) react with aqueous bromine, decolourising it from brown to colourless. Saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) do not react.

Definition Flip

What type of reaction occurs when alkenes react?

Answer Flip

Alkenes undergo addition reactions, where the double bond breaks and atoms add to each carbon atom. Only one product is formed.

Key Concept Flip

What is the product of the addition of bromine to ethene?

Answer Flip

The product is 1,2-dibromoethane. The bromine molecule adds across the double bond.

Key Concept Flip

What is the product of the addition of hydrogen to ethene, and what conditions are required?

Answer Flip

The product is ethane. This reaction requires a nickel catalyst and elevated temperature.

Key Concept Flip

What is the product of the addition of steam to ethene, and what conditions are required?

Answer Flip

The product is ethanol. This reaction requires an acid catalyst (

Example: concentrated sulfuric acid) and high temperature and pressure.
Key Concept Flip

What is the product of cracking C₁₀H₂₂ into smaller alkanes and alkenes?

Answer Flip

One possible set of products is: C₁₀H₂₂ → C₃H₈ + C₃H₆ + 2C₂H₄ (propane, propene, and ethene)

Key Concept Flip

Give the name of the alcohol produced when propene reacts with steam.

Answer Flip

The alcohol produced is propan-2-ol (also known as isopropyl alcohol).

Key Concept Flip

What is the name of the salt produced when propanoic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide?

Answer Flip

The salt produced is sodium propanoate.

Key Concept Flip

What is the catalyst used for the addition of steam to alkenes?

Answer Flip

Concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is used as the acid catalyst.

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11.4 Alcohols 11.6 Esters

Key Questions: Carboxylic acids

What type of bond is present in alkenes?

Alkenes contain a double carbon-carbon covalent bond. This double bond makes them unsaturated hydrocarbons.

What type of reaction occurs when alkenes react?

Alkenes undergo addition reactions, where the double bond breaks and atoms add to each carbon atom. Only one product is formed.

About Carboxylic acids (11.5)

These 12 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Carboxylic acids for your Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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