Carboxylic acids

Carboxylic acids are a class of organic compounds that contain a carboxyl group. The general formula for carboxylic acids is R-COOH, where R is any number of hydrogen or carbon atoms. They are characterized by their acidic properties, which are due to the presence of the highly polar carboxyl group.

Structure and properties

The carboxyl group in carboxylic acids consists of a carbon atom bonded to an oxygen atom by a double bond, and to a hydroxyl group by a single bond. This arrangement results in a highly polar group, which confers certain properties on the carboxylic acid.

Carboxylic acids are generally more acidic than other organic compounds due to the resonance stabilization of the carboxylate ion. This means that the negative charge that results from the loss of a proton is spread over the entire carboxylate ion, reducing the energy of the system and making the loss of a proton more favorable.

Nomenclature

The IUPAC nomenclature for carboxylic acids is based on the longest carbon chain that includes the carboxyl group. The suffix "-oic acid" is added to the root of the alkane name. For example, the simplest carboxylic acid, with a single carbon atom, is called "formic acid".

Synthesis

Carboxylic acids can be synthesized in several ways. One common method is the oxidation of primary alcohols or aldehydes using an oxidizing agent such as potassium permanganate or chromium trioxide. Another method is the hydrolysis of nitriles, which are organic compounds that contain a cyano group.

Uses

Carboxylic acids have a wide range of uses in various industries. They are used in the production of polymers, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and detergents. They are also used as food additives and preservatives.

See also

• Organic chemistry
• Acid-base reaction theories
• Ester
• Fatty acid