Which organic compound has the structure R−COOH, with R referring to the alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or other group?
Carboxylic acid
The organic compound with the structure $\text{R-COOH}$ belongs to the class known as carboxylic acids.
Here is a quick breakdown of what makes up this functional group:
The Carboxyl Group ($-\text{COOH}$): This is the functional group itself. It gets its name because it is a combination of a carbonyl group ($>\text{C}=\text{O}$) and a hydroxyl group ($-\text{OH}$) attached to the same carbon atom.
The R-Group: As you mentioned, this can be an alkyl (like methyl, $-\text{CH}_3$), alkenyl, or aryl (benzene ring) group. If the R-group is just a hydrogen atom ($\text{H}$), it forms formic acid ($\text{HCOOH}$), the simplest carboxylic acid.
Common Examples
| Compound Name | IUPAC Name | Formula | Where it's found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetic acid | Ethanoic acid | $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}$ | Vinegar |
| Formic acid | Methanoic acid | $\text{HCOOH}$ | Ant stings |
| Citric acid | 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid | $\text{C}_6\text{H}_8\text{O}_7$ | Citrus fruits |
| Benzoic acid | Benzenecarboxylic acid | $\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COOH}$ | Food preservatives (aryl group example) |
Key Properties
Because the $-\text{OH}$ group is highly polar, carboxylic acids can form strong hydrogen bonds with each other and with water. This gives them relatively high boiling points compared to other organic molecules of similar size, and makes the smaller-chain acids highly soluble in water. They are typically weak acids, meaning they partially dissociate in water to release hydrogen ions ($\text{H}^+$).
Similar Questions
Why is water fluoridation, which is the controlled adjustment of fluoride to public water supply, done?
- Synecology can be defined as which of the following?
The purest form of water in nature is
Which of the soluble fibres found in fruits is used as a thickener in cooking and baking?
Atoms of which element combines with hydrogen to give water?
______ gas is used for the manufacturing of bleaching powder.
Which of the following popular kitchen ingredients is called the 'sugar eating fungus'?
Which of the following is NOT used to make toothpaste?
Which of the following is not a natural fibre?
Where does the lower salinity water rest with the higher salinity dense water?
Important Questions from Chemistry in Everyday Life
Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?
I. Methane
II. Nitrous oxide
Which of the following is NOT a Fossil Fuel?
Which one of the following is used in soda-acid fire extinguishers?
The separation of two immiscible liquids can be done based on the difference in their_______.
Orange juice contains ______ acid due to which it tastes sour.
