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All questions of Alkanoic Acids for JAMB Exam

Which of the following is an example of a monocarboxylic acid?
  • a)
    Ethanoic acid
  • b)
    Succinic acid
  • c)
    Citric acid
  • d)
    Phthalic acid
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Ethanoic acid, also known as acetic acid, is an example of a monocarboxylic acid. It has a single carboxyl functional group and is commonly found in vinegar. Succinic acid, citric acid, and phthalic acid are examples of dicarboxylic acids as they contain two carboxyl groups.

What is the IUPAC name for CH3CH2COOH?
  • a)
    Propanoic acid
  • b)
    Ethanoic acid
  • c)
    Butanoic acid
  • d)
    Methanoic acid
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
The IUPAC name for CH3CH2COOH is propanoic acid. It consists of three carbon atoms, hence the prefix "prop-", and has a carboxyl group attached to the second carbon atom.

Alkanoic acids are named by replacing the "-e" ending of the corresponding alkane with:
  • a)
    "-al"
  • b)
    "-oic acid"
  • c)
    "-carboxylic acid"
  • d)
    "-oate"
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Alkanoic acids are named by replacing the "-e" ending of the corresponding alkane with "-oic acid." For example, methane becomes methanoic acid, ethane becomes ethanoic acid, and so on.

Which of the following is a byproduct of the neutralization reaction between ethanoic acid and sodium hydroxide?
  • a)
    Sodium acetate
  • b)
    Ethyl acetate
  • c)
    Sodium ethanoate
  • d)
    Ethyl ethanoate
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
In the neutralization reaction between ethanoic acid and sodium hydroxide, the byproduct is sodium ethanoate (sodium acetate), which is a salt. The reaction can be represented as follows:
CH3COOH + NaOH → CH3COONa + H2O

Which of the following alkanoic acids is also known as formic acid?
  • a)
    Acetic acid
  • b)
    Propionic acid
  • c)
    Butyric acid
  • d)
    Methanoic acid
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Methanoic acid, also known as formic acid, is the simplest alkanoic acid with the chemical formula HCOOH. It gets its name from the Latin word "formica," meaning ant, as it was first isolated from the bodies of red ants.

Alkanoic acids are classified as weak acids. What does this mean?
  • a)
    They have a low molecular weight.
  • b)
    They are found in small quantities in nature.
  • c)
    They dissociate partially in water and release H+ ions.
  • d)
    They have a pH value greater than 7.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Alkanoic acids are weak acids because they only partially dissociate in water, releasing a small number of hydrogen ions (H+). This partial dissociation leads to a lower concentration of H+ ions compared to strong acids, resulting in a less acidic solution.

Which alkanoic acid is commonly found in honey and is responsible for its antibacterial properties?
  • a)
    Acetic acid
  • b)
    Butyric acid
  • c)
    Formic acid
  • d)
    Valeric acid
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Formic acid is commonly found in honey and is responsible for its antibacterial properties. It helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms, contributing to the preservation of honey.

Which alkanoic acid is responsible for the sour taste and smell in vinegar?
  • a)
    Methanoic acid
  • b)
    Ethanoic acid
  • c)
    Propanoic acid
  • d)
    Butanoic acid
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Ethanoic acid, also known as acetic acid, is responsible for the sour taste and pungent smell in vinegar. It is commonly used in the food industry for preserving and flavoring various food products.

Among the given options, which alkanoic acid is commonly used as a food preservative?
  • a)
    Acetic acid
  • b)
    Butanoic acid
  • c)
    Propionic acid
  • d)
    Methanoic acid
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Propionic acid is commonly used as a food preservative, especially in baked goods. It helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, thus extending the shelf life of food products.

Which of the following compounds is an example of an aromatic acid?
  • a)
    Acetic acid
  • b)
    Propionic acid
  • c)
    Benzoic acid
  • d)
    Butyric acid
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Benzoic acid is an example of an aromatic acid. It contains a benzene ring (aromatic ring) with a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to it. The presence of the benzene ring contributes to its unique chemical and physical properties.

Which of the following reactions involves the neutralization of an alkanoic acid?
  • a)
    Reaction with an alcohol to form an ester
  • b)
    Reaction with a base to form a salt and water
  • c)
    Reaction with an alkene to form an addition product
  • d)
    Reaction with oxygen to undergo combustion
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Neutralization reactions involve the combination of an acid and a base to form a salt and water. When an alkanoic acid reacts with a base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it forms the corresponding salt (e.g., sodium ethanoate) and water.

Which of the following reactions represents the esterification of ethanol and ethanoic acid?
  • a)
    CH3CH2OH + CH3COOH → CH3CH2COOH + H2O
  • b)
    CH3CH2OH + CH3COOH → CH3CH2COOC2H5 + H2O
  • c)
    CH3CH2OH + CH3COOH → CH3CH2OH + CH3COOH
  • d)
    CH3CH2OH + CH3COOH → CH3CH2COOC2H4 + H2O
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
The reaction between ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) in the presence of an acid catalyst results in the formation of ethyl ethanoate (CH3CH2COOC2H5), an ester, and water (H2O). The -OH group of ethanol reacts with the carboxyl group (-COOH) of ethanoic acid, forming an ester linkage.

Which of the following is true regarding the acidity of alkanoic acids?
  • a)
    It decreases with an increase in the carbon chain length.
  • b)
    It increases with an increase in the carbon chain length.
  • c)
    It remains constant regardless of the carbon chain length.
  • d)
    It is unrelated to the carbon chain length.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Generally, the acidity of alkanoic acids decreases with an increase in the carbon chain length. This is due to the decreasing polarity and increasing hydrophobic nature of the alkyl group attached to the carboxyl group. As the carbon chain length increases, the alkyl group dominates the electron-donating nature, making it less favorable for the release of protons (H+ ions) and thus reducing the acidity.

Among the alkanoic acids, which one has the highest boiling point?
  • a)
    Methanoic acid
  • b)
    Ethanoic acid
  • c)
    Propanoic acid
  • d)
    Butanoic acid
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
The boiling point of an alkanoic acid generally increases with the increase in the number of carbon atoms in the chain. Since butanoic acid has a longer carbon chain compared to the other options, it has a higher boiling point.

What is the chemical formula of butanoic acid?
  • a)
    C3H6O2
  • b)
    C2H4O2
  • c)
    C4H8O2
  • d)
    C3H6O3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Butanoic acid has the chemical formula C4H8O2. It consists of four carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The presence of the carboxyl group (-COOH) gives it acidic properties.

Which of the following alkanoic acids is used in the production of nylon-6,6?
  • a)
    Acetic acid
  • b)
    Butanoic acid
  • c)
    Adipic acid
  • d)
    Oxalic acid
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Adipic acid is used in the production of nylon-6,6, which is a widely used synthetic polymer. It is an important raw material in the manufacturing of fibers, plastics, and polyurethane foams.

Which of the following alkanoic acids is responsible for the characteristic odor of rancid butter?
  • a)
    Acetic acid
  • b)
    Butyric acid
  • c)
    Propionic acid
  • d)
    Valeric acid
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Butyric acid is responsible for the characteristic odor of rancid butter. It is produced by the bacterial fermentation of fats and is also found in various dairy products, such as cheese.

Which of the following acids is commonly used in the preparation of esters?
  • a)
    Methanoic acid
  • b)
    Butanoic acid
  • c)
    Ethanoic acid
  • d)
    Propanoic acid
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Ethanoic acid (acetic acid) is commonly used in the preparation of esters. It readily undergoes esterification reactions with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst, producing esters and water.

Which of the following is a general characteristic of alkanoic acids?
  • a)
    They are nonpolar compounds.
  • b)
    They are soluble in nonpolar solvents.
  • c)
    They have a carboxyl functional group.
  • d)
    They are primarily used as fuels.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Alkanoic acids are characterized by the presence of a carboxyl functional group (-COOH). This functional group consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the same carbon atom. It imparts acidic properties to these compounds and is responsible for their distinct chemical and physical properties.

Which of the following alkanoic acids is commonly found in aspirin?
  • a)
    Acetic acid
  • b)
    Salicylic acid
  • c)
    Formic acid
  • d)
    Propionic acid
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Iyer answered
Salicylic acid is commonly found in aspirin, which is a widely used medication for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. It is derived from the bark of willow trees and is classified as a beta-hydroxy alkanoic acid.

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