Dicarboxylic acids (intro)
Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives · Chemistry
Molecule viewer
Interactive 3DBall-and-stick models with true bond angles — switch molecule to compare shapes.
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Study notes
Heat malonic acid vs succinic acid. Different products — why? Step 1: Malonic (HOOC–CH₂–COOH): β-diacid relationship? It's a 1,3-diacid → decarboxylates → CH₃COOH + CO₂. Step 2: Succinic (HOOC–CH₂–CH₂–COOH): 1,4-diacid → forms cyclic anhydride (5-membered ring). Step 3: Ring size decides: 5/6-membered anhydrides form easily. Step 4: Chain length between –COOH groups dictates thermal behaviour!