Conclusion

Acids are an important concept on the MCAT: they can be tested in general chemistry, organic
chemistry, and biochemistry. The underlying concept in all three subjects is the same: the more
stable the conjugate base is, the more likely it is that the proton will leave. This stability is
determined by three factors: periodic trends (electronegativity and, thus, induction), size of the
anion, and resonance. Understanding these effects is a major key to success on Test Day. The
reactions of carboxylic acids, in particular, are dictated by the polarity of the carbonyl group in
conjunction with the ability of the hydroxyl group to act as a leaving group. This allows a diversity of
reactions through nucleophilic acyl substitution, reduction by lithium aluminum hydride,
decarboxylation, and saponification.