Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl functional group (-COOH). This functional group consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to the same carbon atom. The general formula for carboxylic acids is R-COOH, where R represents a hydrocarbon chain or a hydrogen atom. Carboxylic acids can be classified…

Ketones

Ketones are organic compounds that contain a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. They are produced by the liver from fatty acids during periods of low glucose availability, such as during fasting, prolonged exercise, or a low-carbohydrate diet. In the human body, ketones serve as an alternative source of energy when…

Conversion of alcohols into aldehydes

Alcohols can be converted into aldehydes through oxidation reactions. One commonly used method is the use of an oxidizing agent such as chromic acid (H2CrO4), pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC), or Jones reagent (a solution of chromic acid and sulfuric acid). The specific oxidizing agent and conditions used will depend on the alcohol being converted and the…

Thionyl chloride

Thionyl chloride (SOCl2) is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a reagent in organic chemistry for various reactions, such as the conversion of alcohols to alkyl chlorides, carboxylic acids to acid chlorides, and amides to nitriles. Thionyl chloride is a colorless to slightly yellowish liquid with a pungent odor. It is highly reactive…

ZnCl2/Concentrated HCl

ZnCl2 is the chemical formula for zinc chloride, and HCl is the chemical formula for hydrochloric acid. When these two substances are combined, they react to form a complex mixture of products. The reaction between ZnCl2 and HCl is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat as it proceeds. The products of the reaction include hydrogen…

Phosphorus halides

Phosphorus halides are compounds formed by the combination of phosphorus with halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine). The most common phosphorus halides are phosphorus trichloride (PCl3), phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5), phosphorus tribromide (PBr3), and phosphorus triiodide (PI3). Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is used in the production of pesticides, herbicides,…

Reactions with: Sodium

Sodium is a highly reactive alkali metal with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. It has a silvery-white appearance and is soft enough to be cut with a knife. Sodium reacts vigorously with water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. It also reacts with oxygen to form sodium oxide and with halogens to…

Formation of Alkenes and Ethers

Formation of Alkenes: Alkenes can be formed through a variety of methods, including elimination reactions, dehydrohalogenation, and dehydration. Elimination reactions occur when a molecule loses a small molecule such as water or hydrogen halide to form a double bond. This type of reaction is commonly seen in the elimination of alcohols, where the hydroxyl group…

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in. This can happen as a result of not drinking enough fluids, sweating excessively, or a combination of both. The symptoms of dehydration can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild dehydration may cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, and dark…

Reactions: Esterification

Esterification is a chemical reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an ester and water. The general equation for this reaction is: R-OH + R’-COOH → R’-COOR + H2O where R and R’ are alkyl or aryl groups. There are several reactions that can take…