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Derivatives of Carboxylic Acids

Reactions of acyl chlorides with water and alcohols

  • 3 things to know
  • Unit A2 1

Overview

Organic product formed when propanoyl chloride reacts with water, why acyl chlorides fume in moist air and how the hydrogen chloride released can be confirmed chemically.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Write the equation for the reaction of ethanoyl chloride with water.

Key term

State three observations made when ethanoyl chloride is added to cold water.

Key term

Name the organic product formed when propanoyl chloride reacts with water.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Write the equation for the reaction of ethanoyl chloride with water.

    Model answer

    The equation is CH₃COCl + H₂O → CH₃COOH + HCl.

  2. 2

    State three observations made when ethanoyl chloride is added to cold water.

    Model answer

    The reaction is vigorous, the mixture becomes warm, and steamy white fumes of hydrogen chloride are given off.

  3. 3

    Name the organic product formed when propanoyl chloride reacts with water.

    Model answer

    Propanoic acid is formed.

  4. 4

    Explain why acyl chlorides fume in moist air.

    Model answer

    They react with water vapour to release hydrogen chloride, which forms a mist of tiny droplets of hydrochloric acid with the moisture present.

  5. 5

    Describe how the hydrogen chloride released can be confirmed chemically.

    Model answer

    The solution formed gives a white precipitate with acidified silver nitrate solution, showing chloride ions are present.

  6. 6

    Explain why acyl chlorides must be stored under dry conditions.

    Model answer

    They hydrolyse readily with any moisture present, so they decompose to the carboxylic acid and hydrogen chloride on standing in damp air.

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