Carboxylic Acid

1. Introduction to Carboxylic Acids
- Carboxylic acids are a group of
organic compounds containing a
carboxyl group (-COOH).
- They are widely used in everyday
life, from food products to industrial
processes.

2. What are Carboxylic Acids?
• - Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that
contain a carboxyl functional group (-COOH).
• - The general formula for carboxylic acids is R-
COOH, where R is a hydrocarbon group.

3. Carboxylic Acids and Alcohols:
Connection
• - Alcohols can be converted into carboxylic
acids through oxidation.
• - Example: Ethanol (an alcohol) can be
oxidized to form acetic acid (a carboxylic acid).

4. General Formula of Carboxylic
Acids
• - The general formula is R-COOH.
• - R represents the hydrocarbon chain (alkyl or
aryl).

5. Structure of a Carboxyl Group (-
COOH)
• - The carboxyl group consists of a carbonyl
group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH).
• - This gives carboxylic acids their acidic
properties.

6. Properties of Carboxylic Acids
• - **Acidity:** Carboxylic acids are weak acids.
• - **Solubility:** Smaller carboxylic acids are
soluble in water.
• - **Boiling Points:** They have higher boiling
points than alcohols due to hydrogen bonding.

7. Uses of Carboxylic Acids
• 1. **Food Industry:** Acetic acid in vinegar,
citric acid as a preservative.
• 2. **Pharmaceuticals:** Salicylic acid in pain
relief.
• 3. **Industrial Uses:** Production of soaps,
detergents.

8. Where Can We Find Carboxylic
Acids?
• - **Naturally Occurring Sources:** Acetic acid
in vinegar, citric acid in citrus fruits.
• - **Synthetically Produced:** Used in
chemical manufacturing, such as in polymers.

9. Examples of Common Carboxylic
Acids
• 1. **Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH):** Found in
vinegar.
• 2. **Citric Acid (C₆H₈O₇):** Found in citrus
fruits.
• 3. **Formic Acid (HCOOH):** Found in ant
venom.

10. Carboxylic Acids in Organic
Chemistry
• - **Esters** form from carboxylic acids and
alcohols.
• - **Amides** can be derived from carboxylic
acids and ammonia.

11. Carboxylic Acid in Nature
• - **Butyric Acid** and **Propionic Acid** are
produced by bacteria.
• - **Fatty Acids** are long-chain carboxylic
acids found in fats and oils.

12. Connection Between Alcohols and
Carboxylic Acids
• - Alcohols can be oxidized into carboxylic acids
through oxidation reactions.
• - Example: Ethanol → Acetic Acid.

13. Conclusion
• - Carboxylic acids are important in chemistry,
biology, and industry.
• - Their relationship with alcohols makes them
a key class of compounds in organic synthesis.
• - They are widely used in foods,
pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.