Quick questions on Carboxylic acids and derivatives: Singapore A-Level H2 Chemistry

As weak acids they react with bases, carbonates and reactive metals:

Acid strength depends on the stability of the carboxylate ion. Electron-withdrawing groups (e.g. Cl) near the $-\text{COOH}$ pull electron density away, spreading the negative charge of the anion and stabilising it, so $\text{H}^+$ is released more readily (stronger acid). Electron-donating groups (e.g.

Esterification (carboxylic acid + alcohol, concentrated $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ catalyst, reflux) is reversible:

Acyl chlorides ($\text{RCOCl}$) are very reactive because the chlorine is a good leaving group and strongly electron-withdrawing, making the carbonyl carbon very positive. They react vigorously with nucleophiles, releasing HCl:

Amides ($\text{RCONH}_2$) are hydrolysed by reflux with acid or alkali back to the carboxylic acid (or its salt) and ammonia (or an amine).

Write the equation for the reaction of propanoic acid with sodium carbonate. [1 mark]

State the products of the alkaline hydrolysis of ethyl ethanoate. [2 marks]

Explain why ethanoyl chloride reacts more vigorously with water than ethanoic acid does. [2 marks]