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Furoic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C5H4O3
CAS number
88-14-2
IUPAC name
furan-2-carboxylic acid;furan-3-carboxylic acid
State
State

At room temperature, furoic acid is typically found as a solid.

Melting point (Celsius)
131.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
404.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
161.80
Boiling point (Kelvin)
434.95
General information
Molecular weight
96.08g/mol
Molar mass
96.0840g/mol
Density
1.4040g/cm3
Appearence

Furoic acid appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid. It may also appear as a powder and is relatively stable under normal conditions.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Furan-2-carboxylic Acid and Furan-3-carboxylic Acid

Furan-2-carboxylic acid and furan-3-carboxylic acid, both derived from furan, exhibit interesting solubility characteristics due to their unique chemical structures.

Furan-2-carboxylic Acid

This compound is moderately soluble in water, primarily due to the presence of the carboxylic acid group, which can engage in hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Its solubility is influenced by:

  • Temperature: Increased temperature usually enhances solubility.
  • pH: In acidic conditions, its solubility can increase as it remains in its protonated form.

Furan-3-carboxylic Acid

Similar to its counterpart, furan-3-carboxylic acid is also soluble in water, although less so than furan-2-carboxylic acid. Several factors affect its solubility:

  • Hydrophilic Character: The position of the carboxylic group impacts its ability to interact with water.
  • Structural Configuration: The ring structure of furan can influence steric factors, affecting solubility.

In both cases, the solubility tends to be greater in polar solvents compared to non-polar solvents, which is typical for carboxylic acids. It is important to note that solubility can also be affected by salts and other solutes present in the solution that can alter the activity coefficients.

Understanding the solubility behavior of these compounds is crucial for their application in various chemical processes and synthesizing derivatives.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Furan-2-Carboxylic Acid and Furan-3-Carboxylic Acid

Furan-2-carboxylic acid and furan-3-carboxylic acid are fascinating organic compounds that belong to the furan family. These two carboxylic acids, distinguished by the position of their carboxyl functional group on the furan ring, exhibit unique properties and applications. Here are some intriguing points to consider:

  • Isomeric Relationship: The difference in structure between furan-2-carboxylic acid and furan-3-carboxylic acid is primarily the position of the carboxyl group. This subtle change in positioning significantly affects their chemical reactivity and interactions.
  • Chemical Reactivity: These compounds can participate in various organic reactions, including esterification and amidation, making them valuable in synthetic chemistry.
  • Biological Activity: Some studies suggest that derivatives of these acids may exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting their potential importance in pharmaceutical research.
  • Environmental Relevance: Furan compounds, including these carboxylic acids, are often studied for their roles in organic synthesis, biochemistry, and even in the context of environmental science.
  • Natural Occurrence: Furan derivatives can be found in some naturally occurring compounds, which may contribute to their biological activity and ecological significance.

As we delve deeper into the study of these compounds, it becomes clear that both furan-2-carboxylic acid and furan-3-carboxylic acid hold potential for advancing our understanding of organic chemistry and its applications. Their intricate structures and reactivity present an exciting field for further research and exploration.