RCOOHyhdisteet

RCOOHyhdisteet, commonly known as carboxylic acids, are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl functional group, which is a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). This functional group is often represented as -COOH. The general formula for a saturated monocarboxylic acid is CnH2n+1COOH. The simplest carboxylic acid is formic acid (HCOOH), also known as methanoic acid. Acetic acid (CH3COOH), the main component of vinegar, is another common example.

Carboxylic acids exhibit acidic properties due to the polar nature of the O-H bond in the carboxyl group. The hydrogen atom can be released as a proton (H+), making them capable of donating a proton to a base. This acidity is generally weaker than that of strong mineral acids but stronger than that of alcohols. They react with bases to form salts and water, a process called neutralization. Carboxylic acids can also undergo esterification reactions with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst to form esters, which are often fragrant compounds used in perfumes and flavorings. They can be reduced to primary alcohols and undergo other reactions typical of carbonyl compounds. Many naturally occurring substances, such as fatty acids, citric acid, and amino acids, contain carboxyl groups.