monokarboxyylisiä

Monocarboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain a single carboxyl functional group. This group, denoted as -COOH, consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the same carbon atom. The general formula for a monocarboxylic acid is R-COOH, where R represents an alkyl or aryl group.

The properties of monocarboxylic acids vary depending on the nature of the R group. Shorter chain monocarboxylic acids, such as formic acid (HCOOH) and acetic acid (CH3COOH), are typically liquids at room temperature, are soluble in water, and possess pungent odors. As the length of the carbon chain increases, the acids become less soluble in water and their physical state changes to solids. Fatty acids, which are long-chain monocarboxylic acids, are examples of this.

Monocarboxylic acids are acidic due to the presence of the carboxyl group. They can donate a proton (H+) to form a carboxylate anion (R-COO-). This acidic character allows them to react with bases to form salts. They also undergo esterification reactions with alcohols to produce esters and can be reduced to primary alcohols.

Common examples of monocarboxylic acids include acetic acid, a component of vinegar, and benzoic acid, used as a food preservative. They are important in various biological processes and industrial applications.