Unit 13: Carboxylic Acids

21. What is the effect of electron-withdrawing groups on the acidity of carboxylic acids?

a) They decrease acidity.
b) They have no effect on acidity.
c) They increase acidity.
d) They convert the acid to an alcohol.
Answer: c) They increase acidity.

22. The IUPAC name of butyric acid is:

a) Propanoic acid
b) Butanoic acid
c) Pentanoic acid
d) Hexanoic acid
Answer: b) Butanoic acid

23. Which of the following is a property of carboxylic acids?

a) They are generally soluble in non-polar solvents.
b) They have a sharp, unpleasant odor.
c) They do not form hydrogen bonds.
d) They are neutral compounds.
Answer: b) They have a sharp, unpleasant odor.

24. What type of isomerism is exhibited by carboxylic acids?

a) Geometrical isomerism
b) Optical isomerism
c) Structural isomerism
d) Positional isomerism
Answer: c) Structural isomerism

25. The reaction of a carboxylic acid with a thionyl chloride (SOCl2) produces:

a) An ester
b) An acyl chloride
c) An alcohol
d) A ketone
Answer: b) An acyl chloride

26. Which carboxylic acid is used in the manufacturing of soap?

a) Stearic acid
b) Acetic acid
c) Formic acid
d) Lactic acid
Answer: a) Stearic acid

27. What happens when a carboxylic acid is heated with soda lime (NaOH and CaO)?

a) Decarboxylation occurs, forming an alkane.
b) Esterification occurs, forming an ester.
c) Oxidation occurs, forming a ketone.
d) Reduction occurs, forming an alcohol.
Answer: a) Decarboxylation occurs, forming an alkane.

28. The common name of methanoic acid is:

a) Acetic acid
b) Propionic acid
c) Formic acid
d) Butyric acid
Answer: c) Formic acid

29. Which of the following carboxylic acids is used as a preservative in food?

a) Formic acid
b) Citric acid
c) Benzoic acid
d) Lactic acid
Answer: c) Benzoic acid

30. Carboxylic acids react with alcohols to form:

a) Ketones
b) Esters
c) Amides
d) Ethers
Answer: b) Esters