Carboxylic acid, RCO2H

Definition

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of at least one carboxyl group (-COOH), where "R" represents the rest of the molecule that can be varying carbon-containing structures. These acids are widely recognized for their sour taste and strong odors, playing pivotal roles in biochemical processes and industrial applications.

Related terms

Esterification: A chemical reaction in which a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to form an ester and water.

Acidity Constant (Ka): A value that measures the strength of an acid in solution, particularly relevant for comparing the strengths of different carboxylic acids.

Functional Group: A specific grouping of atoms within molecules that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. The carboxyl group (-COOH) is an example of a functional group in carboxylic acids