CARBOXYL GROUP Meaning and
Definition
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A carboxyl group is a functional group that consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the same carbon atom. It is represented by the chemical formula -COOH. This group is commonly found in organic compounds known as carboxylic acids.
The carbonyl group is composed of a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom. This double bond imparts a significant polarity to the carboxyl group, resulting in a partial positive charge on the carbon atom and a partial negative charge on the oxygen. The hydroxyl group (-OH) contributes to the overall polarity of the carboxyl group by providing an additional partial negative charge.
Carboxyl groups have various properties and play important roles in many biochemical processes. They exhibit acidic behavior due to the presence of the hydroxyl group, which can donate a proton and ionize to form a carboxylate ion (-COO-) in the presence of a base. This ionization gives carboxylic acids their distinct sour taste. Carboxyl groups also participate in condensation reactions, forming ester or amide bonds when reacting with alcohols or amines, respectively. These reactions are vital in the synthesis of numerous organic compounds.
In summary, a carboxyl group is a functional group consisting of a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group attached to the same carbon atom. It is characteristic of carboxylic acids, exhibits acidic behavior, and participates in condensation reactions with alcohols and amines.
Common Misspellings for CARBOXYL GROUP
- xarboxyl group
- varboxyl group
- farboxyl group
- darboxyl group
- czrboxyl group
- csrboxyl group
- cwrboxyl group
- cqrboxyl group
- caeboxyl group
- cadboxyl group
- cafboxyl group
- catboxyl group
- ca5boxyl group
- ca4boxyl group
- carvoxyl group
- carnoxyl group
- carhoxyl group
- cargoxyl group
- carbixyl group
Etymology of CARBOXYL GROUP
The word "carboxyl" is derived from the combination of two parts: "carbo-" from the Latin word "carbo" meaning coal or carbon, and "-oxyl" from the Greek word "oxys" meaning acid. The term "carboxyl" was first coined by the German chemist Hermann Kolbe in the mid-19th century to describe a specific functional group in organic chemistry. The word "group" simply refers to a collection or assemblage of atoms. Thus, the term "carboxyl group" refers to a functional group consisting of a carbon atom bonded to an oxygen atom by a double bond, and also to a hydroxyl group (OH) by a single bond. The carboxyl group is characteristic of carboxylic acids, which are organic compounds known for their acidity.
Similar spelling word for CARBOXYL GROUP
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