Acid anhydrides
Definition
Acid anhydrides are chemical compounds derived from acids by the removal of water. They typically react with water to form corresponding acids.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Acid anhydrides are usually formed from carboxylic acids and can be represented by the general formula $(RCO)_2O$.
- They react readily with water in a hydrolysis reaction to yield carboxylic acids.
- Acid anhydrides can be used in organic synthesis to introduce acyl groups into other molecules.
- The reactivity of acid anhydrides is higher than that of their corresponding acids due to their electrophilic nature.
- Common examples include acetic anhydride and sulfur trioxide, which is the acid anhydride of sulfuric acid.
Review Questions
- What is the general formula for a carboxylic acid-derived acid anhydride?
- Describe the reaction that occurs when an acid anhydride comes into contact with water.
- Name two common examples of acid anhydrides.
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Related terms
Carboxylic Acid: Organic acids characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group $(COOH)$. They can be converted into acid anhydrides.
Hydrolysis: A chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water, often leading to the decomposition of that compound.
Electrophile: A molecule or ion that accepts a pair of electrons to form a new covalent bond. Acid anhydrides act as electrophiles in many reactions.
