The carboxylic acid is a mixture that is distinguished from the others by presenting a functional group, called the carboxyl group, which originates, at the moment in which the same carbon agrees with those of the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. Carboxylic acid is represented by the symbol R-COOH. They are usually named by replacing the ending -O of the hydrocarbon of origin, by the suffix “-oico”.
The carboxyl group is responsible for the polarity of the molecule and the probability of fixing hydrogen bonds. Hydroxyl hydrogen can decompose and the compound acts as an acid. This decomposition is benefited by the resonance of the carboxylate ion.
It is important to note that in the same molecule, there can be several carboxyl groups. The amount of these groups can be seen through the prefixes tri, tetra, di, among others. It should be added that long- chain monocarboxylic acids are also called fatty acids.
Examples of carboxylic acids: trans-butenedioic, oleic acid, maleic acid, etc.
Regarding their application, carboxylic acids can react with alkalis and thus produce salts (soaps). In the same way, when they react with alcohols, they produce esters.
Carboxylic acids can also have the following attributes:
- Its melting and boiling points are high.
- They have a high acidity of hydrogen located on the hydroxyl group.
- These acids are obtained by hydrolysis of nitriles.
The importance of these acids resides in the fact that they are base compounds of a myriad of derivatives, among which acid anhydrides, amides, esters, etc. can be mentioned.
In everyday life, they are frequently used to make biodegradable lubricants, paint thickeners and detergents.
