Carboxylic acids

A carboxylic acid is a compound with one alkyl group and a carboxyl group (one hydroxide group and one carbonyl group, COOH). They usually end with the suffix -oic acid.

Familiar examples are:

• Methanoic acid, HCOOH, the compound in fire ant stings, which can cause blisters.
• Ethanoic acid, CH₃COOH, the food additive in vinegar. Alcoholic beverages can contain this when the ethanol reacts with oxygen.
• Citric acid, (COOH)₃C₃OH or C₆H₈O₇, the sour ingredient in citrus fruits and a food additive and preservative.

  Carboxylic acids
  Prefix	none
  What it is	carbonyl and hydroxide on the same carbon
  Suffix	-oic acid

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Organic Chemistry

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