Uses of Carboxylic Acids
NCERT Reference: Chapter 8 – Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic and Carboxylic Acids – Page 210
Quick Notes
| Compound / Type | Main Uses |
|---|---|
| Methanoic (Formic) Acid HCOOH |
Rubber coagulation; leather and textile finishing; feed preservative |
| Ethanoic (Acetic) Acid CH3COOH |
Vinegar (~5–8%); cellulose acetate production; ester and polymer synthesis |
| Benzoic Acid C6H5COOH |
Food preservative (E210); antiseptics; perfume and dye precursor |
| Higher Fatty Acids (Palmitic, Stearic) |
Soaps, detergents, cosmetics, lubricants, greases |
Full Notes
Carboxylic acids are versatile compounds used extensively in both industrial and biological contexts.
Methanoic Acid – Formic Acid (HCOOH)
- Used as a coagulant in rubber production.
- Acts as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed.
- Also employed in leather tanning and textile dyeing.
Ethanoic Acid – Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)
- A key ingredient in vinegar (~5–8% solution).
- Used industrially in the manufacture of cellulose acetate (used in films and textiles).
- Also serves as a solvent and reagent in synthesis of esters, acetates, and polymers.
Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH)
- Used as a food preservative (E210) to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth.
- Precursor in the manufacture of dyes, perfumes, and antiseptics.
- Useful in pharmaceutical formulations.
Higher Fatty Acids (e.g., Palmitic and Stearic Acids)
- Long-chain carboxylic acids used in making soaps, detergents, and cosmetics.
- Also used in the production of lubricants and greases.
Summary
- Carboxylic acids are valuable for industrial, domestic and biological applications.
- Formic and acetic acids are used in food, rubber, leather and polymer industries.
- Benzoic acid is important as a preservative and chemical precursor.
- Higher fatty acids are used in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and lubricants.