UPSC CAPF AC 2018 Paper

The simple aliphatic members of carboxylic acids have up to four carbon atoms that can dissolve in water because of the ability of these members to develop hydrogen bonds with water. However, the solubility gradually decreases with the increase in in the numbers of atoms of carboxylic acids.
Higher carboxylic acids are insoluble in water. The reason behind the insolubility of higher members of carboxylic acids is the hydrophobic interaction in the hydrocarbon part of the carboxylic acid. However, they are soluble in less polar organic solvents such as alcohol, benzene, chloroform, ether, etc. Acidity of carboxylic acids depend upon extent of ionization to produce hydrogen ions, the more ionized it is, the stronger it is.