key term - Carboxylic acids

Definition

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH), which consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group. They are known for being acidic due to the ability of the hydroxyl hydrogen to dissociate in water.

Related terms

Functional Group:

A specific grouping of atoms within molecules that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Hydroxyl Group:

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH), contributing to the properties of alcohols and carboxylic acids.

Acidity:

A measure of how easily a substance can donate a proton (H+ ion) in solution, with higher acidity indicating a greater tendency to donate protons