Comparison of Alkanoic Acid - JAMB MCQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.