Aldehydes And Ketones Test - 6

Carboxylic acids having up to four carbon atoms are soluble in water because of the formation of hydrogen bonds with water.
The solubility decreases with the increase in the hydrophobic end.
Benzoic acid is insoluble in cold water.

+R effect in p-fluorobenzoic acid decreases the acid strength.
+R effect is less effective in p-chlorobenzoic due to the difference in the energy levels of the 3p-orbital of chlorine and the 2p-orbital of carbon.
Both p-fluorobenzoic acid and p-chlorobenzoic acid are stronger acids than benzoic acid due to the -I effect of the halogen atoms.

Benzoic acid like all acids reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates to give out CO₂.
Phenol does not react with bicarbonates because phenol is a weaker acid than carbonic acid.