Carboxylaattiryhmä

Carboxylaattiryhmä, also known as the carboxyl group, is a functional group in organic chemistry consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (–OH). The general formula for a carboxyl group is –COOH. This group is characteristic of carboxylic acids, where the carboxyl group is attached to a hydrogen atom (–COOH), and it is also found in esters, amides, and other derivatives.

The carboxyl group is highly reactive due to the presence of both the carbonyl group (C=O) and the hydroxyl group (–OH). This reactivity allows for various chemical reactions, including esterification, amidation, and decarboxylation. The carboxyl group can also participate in hydrogen bonding, which influences the physical properties of compounds containing this group.

In biological systems, the carboxyl group is a crucial component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The carboxyl group of one amino acid can form a peptide bond with the amino group of another amino acid, leading to the formation of proteins. Additionally, the carboxyl group is involved in the structure and function of various biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and lipids.

The carboxyl group is also important in industrial chemistry. It is used in the production of polymers, such as polyesters and polyamides, which have a wide range of applications in the textile, plastic, and packaging industries. Furthermore, the carboxyl group is utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other organic compounds.