Lesson 8: Carboxylic Acids, Amines & Acid-Base Chemistry

NCEA Level 2 Chemistry. Students analyse weak acid/base properties, litmus testing, NaHCO₃ carbon dioxide effervescence, writing Portfolio Section 8.

Lesson at a Glance | He Tirohanga Whakamua

Do NowVinegar (ethanoic acid) vs fishy amine odours10 min
Acid-Base Comparison MatrixCarboxylic Acids: Weak acid behaviour, blue litmus RED & NaHCO3 effervescence · Amines & Neutralisation: Weak base behaviour, red litmus BLUE & salt formation30 min
Portfolio EntryWrite Section 8: Carboxylic Acid & Amine Acid-Base Guide10 min
Exit DrillWrite equation for ethanoic acid +NaHCO35 min

Ngā Whāinga Ako | Learning Intentions

Students will know

  • That Carboxylic Acids (COOH) are weak acids that donate H+ in water, turning blue litmus red and producing CO2 gas bubbles with hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3).
  • That Amines (NH2) are weak bases that accept H+ in water, turning red litmus blue and possessing a distinct fishy odour.
  • How carboxylic acids and amines undergo neutralization reactions to form soluble organic salts.

Students will demonstrate

  • By writing balanced molecular equations for acid-carbonate and acid-base reactions.
  • By completing Section 8 of their Level 2 Organic Chemistry Mastery Portfolio.

Curriculum alignment

  • NZC (2007) · Science · Level 7 · Material World: “Investigate and measure the chemical and physical properties of a range of groups of substances, for example, acids and bases, oxidants and reductants, and selected organic and inorganic compounds.”

Do Now | Tīmatanga Whakaaro (10 min)

Baking Soda Fizz Prompt:

"When you pour household vinegar (ethanoic acid) onto baking soda (NaHCO3), it fizzes vigorously. If you pour ethanol onto baking soda, nothing happens. Why?"

Unpack: Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) is an acid; it reacts with hydrogen carbonate ions (HCO3) to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO2(g) bubbles), water, and sodium ethanoate salt. Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) is neutral and cannot react with carbonates!

Acid-Base Comparison Matrix (30 min)

🧪 Carboxylic Acids (COOH)
  • Litmus Test: Blue litmus turns RED.
  • Carbonate Test: +NaHCO3 Vigorous CO2(g) effervescence.
  • Odour: Sharp, vinegary smell.
  • Equation: CH3COOH+NaHCO3CH3COONa+CO2+H2O.
🐟 Amines (NH2)
  • Litmus Test: Red litmus turns BLUE.
  • Carbonate Test: +NaHCO3 No reaction (no fizz).
  • Odour: Fishy, ammonia-like smell.
  • Equation: CH3NH2+HClCH3NH3+Cl (methylammonium chloride).

📁 Organic Chemistry Portfolio — Section 8: Acid-Base Diagnostic Guide

Students open their Level 2 Chemistry Portfolio and complete Section 8:

Section 8 Requirements:

1. Litmus & Carbonate Diagnostic Table: Observations for 6 unlabelled liquids (hexane, hex-1-ene, propan-1-ol, ethanoic acid, propan-1-amine, 1-chloropropane) with red litmus, blue litmus, and NaHCO3(aq).

2. Balanced Chemical Equations: Write full structural equations for: 1) Propanoic acid +NaHCO3, and 2) Ethanamine +HCl.

3. Excellence Neutralisation Rationale: 1-paragraph explanation of the neutralisation reaction between ethanoic acid and ethanamine forming ethylammonium ethanoate salt.

Exit Verification | Ka Mutu Hoki (5 min)

Exit Check:

"My Section 8 correctly identifies NaHCO₃ effervescence as the unique diagnostic test for carboxylic acids."

Teacher Planning & NCEA Alignment

NCEA Level 2 Chemistry Alignment (4 Credits External):

  • Acid-Base Chemistry: Demonstrate understanding of weak acid properties of carboxylic acids and weak base properties of amines.
  • Qualitative Identification: Use litmus paper, NaHCO3, and odour to identify functional groups.

Vocabulary: Carboxylic acid, amine, weak acid, weak base, litmus test, effervescence, NaHCO3, neutralisation, alkylammonium salt.

Other teaching approach: Guided Viewing & Practical Chemistry →