Carboxyliryhmä

Carboxyliryhmä is the Finnish term for a carboxyl group, a functional group in organic chemistry. It consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the same carbon atom. The general formula for a carboxyl group is -COOH.

This functional group is a defining characteristic of carboxylic acids, a class of organic compounds that are acidic in nature due to the ability of the hydroxyl proton to be donated. In aqueous solutions, the carboxyl group can dissociate, forming a carboxylate anion (-COO-) and a proton (H+).

Carboxyl groups are ubiquitous in biochemistry. They are found in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, where they play a crucial role in protein structure and function. They are also present in fatty acids, which are key components of cell membranes and energy storage. Furthermore, carboxyl groups are involved in many metabolic pathways, such as the citric acid cycle.

The chemical properties of the carboxyl group are influenced by the electron-withdrawing nature of the carbonyl group. This makes the hydroxyl proton more acidic compared to a simple alcohol. The carboxyl group can also undergo various reactions, including esterification, amide formation, and reduction. Its presence significantly impacts the solubility and reactivity of organic molecules.