The first three members (upto 3 carbon atoms) are colourless, pungent smelling liquids. The next six members are oily liquids having unpleasant smell. The higher members are colourless and odourless waxy solids.
The solubility of lower members of carboxylic acids is due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the – COOH group and water molecules
Acetic acid exists in the solution in dimer form due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The observed molecular mass of acetic acid is 120 instead of 60.
The melting point of the acids having even number of carbon atoms are higher than those containing an odd number immediately above and below them.
The acids with even number of carbon atoms have the – COOH group and the terminal – CH3 group on the opposite side of the carbon chain.
