Carboxylic acid

Definition

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds containing a carboxyl group (-COOH), where the carbon atom is double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group. These acids are widely found in nature, contributing to the sour taste of some fruits and involved in various biochemical processes.

Related terms

Hydroxyl Group: A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH), pivotal in forming alcohols and acids.

Functional Group: Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Organic Compounds: Molecules composed of carbon atoms bonded with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen, forming the basis of all living organisms and many synthetic materials