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ilikescience ilikescience
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12 years ago
We have a homework due tomorrow that is kinda confusing... I know al the technical stuff for it but I can't work out the rest. It basically wants me to do a comparison/differences essay between Carboxylic acids, alkanes and alcohols and then give 5 uses in general life for each :/ I know the data and the actual knowledge for it but I don't really understand how they can be different similar, aside from the fact that they're completely different things?! HeLP!
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12 years ago
Why do you think: "aside from the fact that they're completely different things"

You start with an alkane:
Ethane: C2H6 or CH3CH3

You add an O you get CH3CH2OH the alcohol

You oxidise further - you get the aldehyde- ethanal
CH3CH2OH +
  • ? CH3CHO + H2O

You oxidise further you get the acid - ethanoic acid
CH3CHO +
  • ? CH3COOH.

The above steps apply to any alkane.

Now you have a nice story to write about the progression from the alkane to the acid. you see the structural sililarities between each compound.  I am sure that you can find 5 uses for each in everyday life. If not,  merely Google each compound and I am sure you will get the info.
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