Karboksimetüülrühmi

Karboksimetüülrühmi is the Estonian term for the carboxymethyl group. This functional group has the chemical formula -CH2COOH. It is derived from acetic acid by replacing one of the hydrogen atoms on the methyl group with a carboxyl group. The carboxymethyl group is a common structural feature in many organic molecules, including amino acids, where it is part of the side chain of aspartic acid and glutamic acid. It can also be found in modified polysaccharides, such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), which is widely used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The presence of the carboxymethyl group imparts water-solubility and anionic character to molecules, making them useful for applications requiring these properties. In chemical synthesis, the carboxymethyl group can be introduced through various reactions, such as the Williamson ether synthesis or alkylation of enolates.