Chapter 22, Problem 7RAT

Explain why caprylic acid, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{6}}\text{COOH}$ ,dissolves in a 5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide but capryaldehyde, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{6}}\text{CHO}$ , does not.

(a) With two oxygen, the caprylic acid is about twice as polar as the caprylaldehyde.

(b) The caprylaldehyde is a gas at room temperature.

(c) The caprylaldehyde behaves as a reducing agent, which neutralizes the sodium hydroxide.

(d) The caprylic acid reacts to form the water- soluble salt.

To determine

The correct option for the statement “Explain why caprylic acid, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{6}}\text{COOH}$ , dissolves in a 5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide but capryaldehyde, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{6}}\text{CHO}$, does not.”

Answer to Problem 7RAT

The correct option for the statement “Explain why caprylic acid, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{6}}\text{COOH}$, dissolves in a 5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide but capryaldehyde, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{6}}\text{CHO}$, does not.” is option (d).

Explanation of Solution

Caprylic acid is soluble in strong base like 5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide by the formation of the carboxylate ion which gets dissolved in water. Whereas capryaldehyde is not soluble in 5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and does not react to form such kind of ion. Secondly, the ability of aldehyde to get dissolved in 5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide get decreased as number of carbons gets increased. Capraldehyde is not soluble because it is not a strong acid and it does not form carboxylate ion.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “Explain why caprylic acid, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{6}}\text{COOH}$, dissolves in a 5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide but capryaldehyde, ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{6}}\text{CHO}$, does not.” Is option (d).