Question

Compare the products formed on heating the following dicarboxylic acids:
(a) Oxalic acid, (b) Malanie acid, (c) Succinic acid, (d) Adipic acid

Answer 1

(a) Oxalic acid on heating loses a molecule of `CO_(2)` and is converted into formic acid (or `CO+ H_(2)O`).

(b) Malonic acid, on heating undergoes decarboxylation.

(c) Succinic acid forms anhydride by eliminating a water molecule.

(d) Adipic acid on heating at 573K is converted into a cyclic compound, i.e., cyclopentanone