Karboksilaattiryhmä

Karboksilaattiryhmä, also known as a carboxyl group, is a functional group in organic chemistry characterized by the formula -COOH. It consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) connected to the same carbon atom. This group is fundamental in the structure of carboxylic acids, where it is the primary determinant of the acid's properties.

The carboxyl group is highly reactive due to the presence of both the carbonyl carbon and the hydroxyl group. It can participate in various chemical reactions, including esterification, amidation, and decarboxylation. The carboxyl group is also involved in the formation of peptide bonds in proteins and nucleic acids, making it crucial in biological systems.

In terms of nomenclature, compounds containing a carboxyl group are named as derivatives of carboxylic acids. For example, acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a simple carboxylic acid with one carboxyl group. The carboxyl group can also be found in amino acids, where it forms the carboxyl end of the peptide bond.

The carboxyl group's reactivity and its role in biological systems make it a subject of extensive study in chemistry and biochemistry. Understanding the properties and reactions of the carboxyl group is essential for comprehending the behavior of carboxylic acids and their derivatives.