Context

Carboxylic acids are one of the most important groups in organic chemistry and biochemistry, present in a variety of molecules in everyday life - from the fatty acids in olive oil to neurotransmitter molecules in our brain. They have a common structure characterized by a carboxyl functional group (COOH), which is a combination of a double covalent bond between a carbon atom and an oxygen atom (C=O bond), and a single covalent bond between the same carbon atom and a hydroxyl group (C-OH bond).

Carboxylic acids have acidic properties due to the presence of the carboxyl group. When in solution, this structure allows the release of a hydrogen ion (H+), resulting in an acidic solution. The acidic nature of carboxylic acids is crucial for many of their behaviors and chemical reactions. Furthermore, being weak acids, carboxylic acids do not completely ionize in solution, making them less corrosive and safer to handle compared to strong acids.

The relevance of carboxylic acids is not limited to the boundaries of a chemical laboratory. They are vital in numerous practical and industrial applications. For example, acetic acid, a simple carboxylic acid, is the main component of vinegar. Adipic acid, a carboxylic acid with six carbon atoms, is used in the production of nylon. Fatty acids, which are long-chain carboxylic acids, are key components in soap production. In the human body, many carboxylic acids play essential roles in metabolic processes.

For a more in-depth study, we recommend the following sources:

1. Atkins, P., Jones, L. & Laverman, L. Principles of Chemistry: Questioning modern life and the environment. 5th ed. Porto Alegre: Bookman, 2012.
2. Chemistry Portal - Carboxylic Acids
3. Khan Academy - Carboxylic Acids

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Understanding and Exploring Carboxylic Acids

Project Objective:

• Understand what carboxylic acids are, their properties, and characteristics.
• Identify the presence of carboxylic acids in everyday products and discuss their role and importance.
• Prepare a technical-scientific report on carboxylic acids.

Detailed Project Description:

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5, should conduct research on carboxylic acids - their structure, properties, applications, and implications for health and the environment. They should then choose an everyday product containing a carboxylic acid in its composition (e.g., vinegar, soaps, cosmetic products, etc.), investigate its chemical formula, uses, benefits, and risks, and present a critical reflection on the responsible use and disposal of this product.

Required Materials:

• Internet access for research
• Everyday product containing a carboxylic acid
• Notebook for notes

Project Step-by-Step:

1. Divide the class into groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Each group should research carboxylic acids - their structure, properties, applications, and implications for health and the environment.
3. Each group should choose an everyday product containing a carboxylic acid in its composition (e.g., vinegar, soaps, cosmetic products, etc.).
4. Investigate the chosen product, identifying the carboxylic acid in its composition, its role in the product, benefits of its use, and potential health or environmental risks.
5. Each group should prepare a technical-scientific report on the carboxylic acid and the chosen product.

Project Deliverables:

Each group should submit a technical-scientific report following these topics:

• Introduction: Should contain a general contextualization of the theme, the relevance of carboxylic acids in the real world, the project's objective and application.
• Development: Should explain the theory of carboxylic acids, describe the selected product detailing its composition, uses, benefits, and risks. It is important for students to discuss the implications of the use and disposal of this product, proposing individual and collective solutions for responsible use.
• Conclusion: Students should conclude the work by summarizing their main points, explaining the learnings obtained, and drawing conclusions about the project.
• Bibliography: Students should indicate the sources they relied on to work on the project: books, web pages, videos, etc.

Each student will also be individually evaluated for their contribution and participation in the group work, time management, communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, proactivity, among other socio-emotional skills that are being developed throughout the project.