Carboxylic acids, RCO2H

Definition

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH), where "R" represents an alkyl or aryl group attached to the carbon atom of the carboxyl group. They are known for being acidic due to the ability of the hydroxyl (OH) part of the carboxyl group to release a proton (H+).

Related terms

Aldehydes: Organic compounds with a carbonyl group bonded to at least one hydrogen atom; typically more reactive than carboxylic acids.

Esters: Derived from carboxylic acids and an alcohol, esters have a sweet fragrance and are used in making perfumes and flavorings.

Acidity Constant (Ka): A measure of the strength of an acid in solution, reflecting how completely the acid donates its protons to water