O-Chem,DAT ( Carboxylic Acid)

Here is a quick review on the Carboxylic Acid. note the Carboxyl group COOH in the RCOOH. This is the site where the electron delocalization occurs. make sure you are confortable with the nomenclature as this functional group as established a great reputation on the MCAT as well as DAT. also be familiar with the common names such as Formic acid, Acedic acid and propionic Acid (1C,2C and 3C respectively). Going back to the Carboxyl, H next to the Oxygen is highly acidic. very polar and also miscible ( water soluble). Once the H ionizes, H+ and Acetate is producted. The Acetate has equivalent Resonance structure. The pKa decreases with the electron withdrawing effect while opposite is true with electron donating molecules.