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Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain one or more carboxyl functional groups. The carboxyl group is characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH). The general formula for a carboxylic acid is R-COOH, where R represents an alkyl or aryl group, or simply a hydrogen atom in the case of formic acid.

Carboxylic acids are acidic due to the polar nature of the O-H bond within the carboxyl group. The hydrogen atom can be readily released as a proton (H+), making the compound a Brønsted-Lowry acid. They react with bases to form salts and water. Many carboxylic acids are weak acids, meaning they do not fully dissociate in water.

The physical properties of carboxylic acids vary with their chain length. Smaller carboxylic acids, such as formic acid and acetic acid, are colorless liquids with pungent odors and are soluble in water. As the hydrocarbon chain length increases, their solubility in water decreases, and they tend to become solids with higher melting points.

Carboxylic acids are widely found in nature. For example, acetic acid is the main component of vinegar, citric acid is found in citrus fruits, and fatty acids are essential components of fats and oils. They play crucial roles in biological processes and are important intermediates in chemical synthesis. Common reactions involving carboxylic acids include esterification, reduction to alcohols, and conversion to acid halides and amides.