The solubility of compounds containing the carboxylic acid group can be increased by reaction with

a) sulfuric acid
b) nitric acid
c) sodium hydroxide
d) water
e) benzoic acid

How do you neutralize acids?

To determine which compound can increase the solubility of compounds containing the carboxylic acid group, we need to understand the properties of carboxylic acids and their reactions.

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain both a carboxyl group (-COOH) and a hydrocarbon chain. They are generally soluble in organic solvents like ethers and alcohols but have limited solubility in water due to the presence of the hydrocarbon chain.

When a carboxylic acid reacts with another compound, it can form a salt or undergo acid-base reactions. These reactions can potentially increase the solubility of carboxylic acids in water.

Let's examine each option to identify the compound that can increase the solubility of carboxylic acids:

a) Sulfuric acid: Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong acid and can react with carboxylic acids to form salts known as sulfates. This reaction can increase the solubility of carboxylic acids in water. Therefore, option (a) is a possible correct answer.

b) Nitric acid: Nitric acid (HNO3) is also a strong acid. While it can react with carboxylic acids, the resulting products may not substantially increase the solubility of carboxylic acids in water. Therefore, option (b) is less likely to be the correct answer.

c) Sodium hydroxide: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base and can react with carboxylic acids to form salts known as carboxylate ions. This reaction can indeed increase the solubility of carboxylic acids in water. Therefore, option (c) is a possible correct answer.

d) Water: Carboxylic acids are typically soluble in water to some extent due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. However, adding more water may not significantly increase their solubility. Therefore, option (d) is not likely to be the correct answer.

e) Benzoic acid: Benzoic acid is a type of carboxylic acid itself. Adding more benzoic acid is not expected to increase the solubility of other carboxylic acids in water. Therefore, option (e) is not likely to be the correct answer.

In summary, options (a) sulfuric acid and (c) sodium hydroxide are the most likely correct answers as they can react with carboxylic acids to form soluble salts, increasing their solubility in water.