karboksyylija

Karboksyylija refers to the carboxyl group, a functional group in organic chemistry. It consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydroxyl group (O-H). The general formula for a carboxyl group is -COOH. This group is the defining feature of carboxylic acids, a class of organic compounds.

Carboxylic acids are characterized by their acidic properties. The hydrogen atom in the hydroxyl group is weakly acidic and can be removed, forming a carboxylate ion (-COO⁻) and a proton (H⁺). This acidity is due to the resonance stabilization of the carboxylate ion, where the negative charge is delocalized over both oxygen atoms.

The carboxyl group can participate in various chemical reactions. It can undergo esterification with alcohols to form esters, react with amines to form amides, and be reduced to primary alcohols. It can also react with bases to form salts.

Carboxylic acids are found in many naturally occurring substances, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and fruits. They play crucial roles in biological processes and are used in various industrial applications, including the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and food additives. Simple examples include formic acid (HCOOH) and acetic acid (CH₃COOH), the main component of vinegar. The carboxyl group's polarity also contributes to the solubility of carboxylic acids in water.