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Carboxylic acids and derivatives
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The carboxyl group and its relatives

The carboxyl group and its relatives

Reaction map showing carboxylic acid RCOOH linked to acyl chloride, acid anhydride, ester and amide, with key reagents and relative reactivity

A carboxylic acid contains the carboxyl group, −COOH-COOH−COOH, usually written as RCOOHRCOOHRCOOH. The acidic hydrogen is the one on the O−HO-HO−H bond, not on the carbon chain.

Carboxylic acids and derivatives Lesson

  1. A Level
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Carboxylic acids and derivatives

Step-by-step lessons covering Edexcel A Level Chemistry Carboxylic acids and derivatives for A Level Chemistry. Each lesson works through exam-style questions in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 format. Build confidence with atomic structure, bonding and moles calculations early on, since these underpin the more demanding organic mechanisms, equilibrium and practical-analysis topics that dominate Year 2.