# Carboxylic acids are a homologous series of organic compounds. Describe the key features of carboxylic acids and explain what happens when ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate solution.

> AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) — 3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-Level only) · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Carboxylic acids contain the functional group –COOH
2. The first four members are methanoic acid, ethanoic acid, propanoic acid and butanoic acid
3. Carboxylic acids dissolve in water to produce acidic solutions
4. Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate to produce a salt (sodium ethanoate)
5. Carbon dioxide gas is also produced / effervescence is observed

## Key terms

- [carboxylic acids](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carboxylic-acids)
- [homologous series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homologous-series)
- [ethanoic acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ethanoic-acid)
- [sodium carbonate](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/sodium-carbonate)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/carboxylic-acids-are-a-homologous-series-64130397) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.