A comprehensive guide to acyl chloride and acid anhydride reactions,... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
2
0
Z
Zainab
14/10/2025
Chemistry
Acylation AQA A level chemistry
60
•
14 Oct 2025
•
What Happens When Acyl Chloride Meets Water and How to Stay Safe with Ethanoyl Chloride
Z
Zainab
@zainabkaz_dvgr
1 / 6
Page 2: Introduction to Acyl Chlorides and Acid Anhydrides
This page introduces the fundamental concepts of acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides, focusing on their reactions with water. The acyl chloride reaction with water produces carboxylic acid and HCl gas under room temperature conditions. Similarly, acid anhydrides react with water to form carboxylic acids.
Definition: Acylation is the substitution process involving the replacement of a hydrogen atom.
Vocabulary: Ethanoyl chloride - A reactive acyl chloride compound Highlight: Steamy white fumes of HCl are produced during acyl chloride hydrolysis
Example: CH₃COCl + H₂O → CH₃COOH + HCl
Page 3: Acid Anhydride Reactions
This page details the various reactions of acid anhydrides with different nucleophiles. The acid anhydride hydrolysis process produces two carboxylic acid molecules. Additional reactions include those with alcohols, ammonia, and primary amines.
Definition: Acid anhydrides are compounds formed from two carboxylic acid molecules
Example: Reaction with ammonia produces amide and carboxylic acid Highlight: Each reaction yields specific products including esters, amides, and N-substituted amides
Page 4: Acyl Chloride Reactions
This page explores the various reactions of acyl chlorides with different nucleophiles. The reactions include hydrolysis with water, forming carboxylic acids, and reactions with ammonia, alcohols, and primary amines.
Highlight: White misty fumes produced during reactions are dangerous and toxic Example: Reaction with alcohols produces esters and HCl
Page 5: Nucleophilic Addition-Elimination Mechanisms
This page details the step-by-step mechanisms for acyl chloride reactions. The mechanisms demonstrate how nucleophiles attack the carbonyl group, leading to product formation.
Definition: Nucleophilic addition-elimination involves the attack of a nucleophile followed by the loss of a leaving group
Example: Detailed mechanism showing the formation of ethanoic acid from acyl chloride
Page 6: Acid Anhydride Mechanisms
This page illustrates the detailed mechanisms for acid anhydride reactions with various nucleophiles. The mechanisms show how water, alcohols, ammonia, and primary amines react with acid anhydrides.
Highlight: All reactions proceed through similar nucleophilic addition-elimination pathways Example: Formation of two carboxylic acid molecules from acid anhydride hydrolysis
Page 1: Technical Specifications
This page contains various technical specifications and manufacturing details, including measurements and product origins.
Highlight: The page primarily displays numerical values and manufacturing information.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Chemistry
14 Oct 2025
60
6 pages
What Happens When Acyl Chloride Meets Water and How to Stay Safe with Ethanoyl Chloride
Z
Zainab @zainabkaz_dvgr
A comprehensive guide to acyl chloride and acid anhydride reactions, focusing on their hydrolysis processes and various nucleophilic substitution reactions.
Key points:
- Acyl chloride reaction with waterproduces carboxylic acid... Show more
Page 2 Introduction to Acyl Chlorides and Acid Anhydrides
This page introduces the fundamental concepts of acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides, focusing on their reactions with water. The acyl chloride reaction with water produces carboxylic acid and HCl gas under room temperature conditions. Similarly, acid anhydrides react with water to form carboxylic acids.
Definition Acylation is the substitution process involving the replacement of a hydrogen atom.
Vocabulary Ethanoyl chloride - A reactive acyl chloride compound Highlight Steamy white fumes of HCl are produced during acyl chloride hydrolysis
Example CH₃COCl + H₂O → CH₃COOH + HCl
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 3 Acid Anhydride Reactions
This page details the various reactions of acid anhydrides with different nucleophiles. The acid anhydride hydrolysis process produces two carboxylic acid molecules. Additional reactions include those with alcohols, ammonia, and primary amines.
Definition Acid anhydrides are compounds formed from two carboxylic acid molecules
Example Reaction with ammonia produces amide and carboxylic acid Highlight Each reaction yields specific products including esters, amides, and N-substituted amides
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 4 Acyl Chloride Reactions
This page explores the various reactions of acyl chlorides with different nucleophiles. The reactions include hydrolysis with water, forming carboxylic acids, and reactions with ammonia, alcohols, and primary amines.
Highlight White misty fumes produced during reactions are dangerous and toxic Example Reaction with alcohols produces esters and HCl
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 5 Nucleophilic Addition-Elimination Mechanisms
This page details the step-by-step mechanisms for acyl chloride reactions. The mechanisms demonstrate how nucleophiles attack the carbonyl group, leading to product formation.
Definition Nucleophilic addition-elimination involves the attack of a nucleophile followed by the loss of a leaving group
Example Detailed mechanism showing the formation of ethanoic acid from acyl chloride
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 6 Acid Anhydride Mechanisms
This page illustrates the detailed mechanisms for acid anhydride reactions with various nucleophiles. The mechanisms show how water, alcohols, ammonia, and primary amines react with acid anhydrides.
Highlight All reactions proceed through similar nucleophilic addition-elimination pathways Example Formation of two carboxylic acid molecules from acid anhydride hydrolysis
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 1 Technical Specifications
This page contains various technical specifications and manufacturing details, including measurements and product origins.
Highlight The page primarily displays numerical values and manufacturing information.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
Organic Synthesis Mechanisms
Explore key organic synthesis routes including nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic addition, and esterification. This summary covers essential mechanisms and reagents used in organic chemistry, providing a solid foundation for understanding complex reactions. Ideal for students studying organic chemistry.
Chemistry12
A Level Reaction Mechanisms
Explore key reaction mechanisms in A Level Chemistry, including nucleophilic substitution, elimination, and electrophilic addition. This summary covers essential reagents, conditions, and general equations for each mechanism, providing a clear understanding for exam preparation. Ideal for AQA students seeking concise and relevant study material.
Chemistry12
Organic Synthesis Techniques
Explore essential organic synthesis techniques including nucleophilic addition, reduction, and esterification. This summary covers key reactions involving hydrogen halides, sodium cyanide, and various reagents like NaBH4 and KrCrO7, tailored for OCR A Level Chemistry students. Enhance your understanding of organic chemistry with practical examples and reaction mechanisms.
Chemistry12
Benzene and Phenol Mechanisms
Explore the reactivity and mechanisms of benzene and phenol, including electrophilic substitution reactions, delocalization of electrons, and key comparisons between alkenes and arenes. This summary covers essential concepts such as nitration, halogenation, and Friedel-Crafts reactions, providing a comprehensive understanding for students studying aromatic compounds.
Chemistry12
Aromatic Compounds Mechanisms
Explore the key concepts of aromatic chemistry, including the structure and reactivity of benzene, electrophilic substitution mechanisms, and the role of delocalized electrons. This summary covers nitration and Friedel-Crafts reactions, comparing the reactivity of alkenes and arenes, and the unique properties of phenols. Ideal for A-Level organic chemistry students.
Chemistry13
Organic Reaction Mechanisms
Explore detailed mechanisms of organic reactions including nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic addition, and elimination reactions. This comprehensive guide covers key concepts such as alkenes, amines, and reaction pathways, enhanced with color-coded diagrams for clarity. Ideal for AQA Chemistry students in Year 1 and 2.
Chemistry12
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user