recall the reactions by which carboxylic acids can be produced: (a) oxidation of primary alcohols and aldehydes with acidified \( K_2Cr_2O_7 \) or acidified \( KMnO_4 \) and refluxing (b) hydrolysis of nitriles with dilute acid or dilute alkali followed by acidification (c) hydrolysis of esters with dilute acid or dilute alkali and heat followed by acidification
perform calculations including use of the mole concept, involving: (a) reacting masses (from formulas and equations) including percentage yield calculations (b) volumes of gases (e.g. in the burning of hydrocarbons) (c) volumes and concentrations of solutions (d) limiting reagent and excess reagent (When performing calculations, candidates’ answers should reflect the number of significant figures given or asked for in the question. When rounding up or down, candidates should ensure that significant figures are neither lost unnecessarily nor used beyond what is justified (see also Mathematical requirements section)) (e) deduce stoichiometric relationships from calculations such as those in 2.4.1(a)–(d)