How Do You Spell CARBOXYL?

Pronunciation: [kˈɑːbəksˌɪl] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "carboxyl" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription, which is commonly used to represent sounds in spoken language. To break it down, "carboxyl" is pronounced as /kɑːrˈbɒksɪl/. The "c" is pronounced as "k", followed by the "a" sound as in "car". The "r" is rolled, and the "b" is pronounced as "buh". The next two syllables are pronounced as "oks-ill", with the stress on the second syllable. The final sound is "il" as in "pill". Remembering this phonetic transcription can help with accurate spelling of the word "carboxyl".

CARBOXYL Meaning and Definition

  1. Carboxyl is a term commonly used in organic and biochemical chemistry to refer to a functional group consisting of a carbon atom attached to both an oxygen atom by a double bond and a hydroxyl group (OH) by a single bond. The carboxyl group is represented by the formula -COOH. It is also called the carboxyl acid group or the carboxy group.

    The carboxyl group is highly reactive and is the characteristic and defining feature of carboxylic acids, a class of organic compounds. Carboxylic acids are widely found in nature and are involved in various biological processes.

    The presence of the carboxyl group imparts certain properties to molecules. It increases the acidity of a compound, making it more likely to donate a hydrogen ion in a chemical reaction, hence forming a negatively charged carboxylate ion (COO-). The carboxyl group also enhances the water solubility of organic acids, making them readily dissolve in aqueous solutions.

    In addition to its role in carboxylic acids, the carboxyl group is also present in other important molecules, such as amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It can participate in chemical reactions like esterification, amide formation, and decarboxylation, making it crucial in various biochemical and industrial processes.

  2. The characterizing group (COOH) of certain organic acids.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CARBOXYL

Etymology of CARBOXYL

The word "carboxyl" is derived from "carbo-" and "oxy-" combined with the suffix "-yl".

"Carbo-" comes from the Latin word "carbo", which means "charcoal" or "coal". It refers to carbon, which is a vital element found in organic compounds.

"Oxy-" is derived from the Greek word "oxys", meaning "sharp", "acid", or "oxygene".

The suffix "-yl" is used in organic chemistry to indicate a functional group consisting of a single bonded carbon and hydrogen atom, typically found at the end of a molecule. It is derived from the suffix "-ylus" in Greek, which means "having the nature of".

When combined, "carbo-" and "oxy-" indicate the presence of a carbon atom attached to an oxygen atom, which characterizes the carboxyl group (-COOH).

Similar spelling words for CARBOXYL

Plural form of CARBOXYL is CARBOXYLS

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