A Monocarboxylic Acid is an organic compound belonging to the group of organic acids. The monocarboxylic acid is characterized by having one carboxylic group (- COOH ).
Nomenclature and Examples of Monocarboxylic Acids: According to the IUPAC nomenclature: acid + hydrocarbon equivalent + “-oic”. Example:
- H – COOH Methanoic acid
- CH 3 – COOH Ethanoic acid
- CH 3 – CH 2 – COOH Propanoic acid
- CH 3 – CH 2 – CH 2 – COOH Butanoic acid
- …
Properties of Monocarboxylic Acids:
- 6 to 15 carbons are called short chain acids
- Acids with chains greater than 15 carbons are called fatty acids.
Obtaining Monocarboxylic Acids:
- Oxidation of Alcohols
- Ester hydrolysis
- Carboxylation of Alkenes
