karboksylaattoryhmästä

The carboxylate group is the deprotonated form of a carboxylic acid. It has the general formula RCOO-, where R is an organic substituent or a hydrogen atom, and the two oxygen atoms are bonded to the carbon atom. One oxygen atom is typically double-bonded to the carbon, while the other is single-bonded and carries a negative charge. This arrangement results in resonance stabilization, where the negative charge is delocalized over both oxygen atoms, making the carboxylate anion relatively stable.

Carboxylate groups are found in many important organic molecules, including amino acids, fatty acids, and nucleic acids. They play crucial roles in biological processes, such as enzyme catalysis, nutrient transport, and energy storage. In biochemistry, carboxylate groups are often involved in acid-base reactions and the formation of peptide bonds.

The properties of carboxylate groups are influenced by the nature of the R group. Electron-withdrawing groups tend to increase the acidity of the parent carboxylic acid, leading to a more stable carboxylate anion. Conversely, electron-donating groups can decrease acidity. Carboxylate salts are ionic compounds formed when a carboxylate anion pairs with a metal cation. These salts are often soluble in water and are used in various applications, including food preservatives and detergents. The formation of esters involves the reaction of a carboxylate anion with an alkyl halide.