hydroksüalkanoaadid

Hydroksüalkanoaadid, also known as hydroxyalkanoates or hydroxyacids, are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of both a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a carboxyl group (-COOH) within the same molecule. The term "alkanoaat" refers to the salt or ester of an alkanoic acid, which is a saturated carboxylic acid. Therefore, hydroksüalkanoaadid are essentially alkanoic acids with a hydroxyl group attached to one of the carbon atoms in the alkane chain.

The position of the hydroxyl group relative to the carboxyl group determines the specific type of hydroksüalkanoaat. For example, a 2-hydroxyalkanoate has the hydroxyl group on the carbon atom adjacent to the carboxyl group (the alpha-carbon), while a 3-hydroxyalkanoate has it on the beta-carbon. These compounds can exist as free acids, salts, or esters.

Hydroksüalkanoaadid are significant in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Certain hydroksüalkanoaadid, such as lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) and 3-hydroxybutyric acid, are important metabolic intermediates. Polymers derived from hydroksüalkanoaadid, known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), are biodegradable polyesters produced by various microorganisms. These bioplastics are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics. The specific properties of PHAs can be tailored by varying the type and length of the hydroksüalkanoaat monomer units.