CARBOXYLIC GROUP Meaning and
Definition
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A carboxylic group, also known as a carboxyl group, is a functional group that consists of a carbonyl group (a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom) and a hydroxyl group (an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom), both attached to the same carbon atom. The general structure of a carboxylic group is represented as -COOH.
Carboxylic groups are commonly found in organic compounds, particularly carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids are a class of compounds that contain one or more carboxylic groups. They are characterized by their acidic properties, as the hydrogen in the hydroxyl group is easily ionizable, leading to the formation of carboxylate ions in aqueous solutions.
The presence of a carboxylic group in a compound imparts certain chemical and physical properties. Carboxylic groups can participate in various chemical reactions, including esterification, where they react with alcohols to form esters, and condensation reactions, where they react with other carboxylic acids to form anhydrides. Moreover, carboxylic groups can undergo oxidation reactions, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
In terms of physical properties, carboxylic groups contribute to the polarity of a molecule, leading to higher boiling points and water solubility compared to similar compounds without carboxylic groups. Additionally, the presence of carboxylic groups can affect the acidity or basicity of a compound, as they can gain or lose protons, respectively.
Etymology of CARBOXYLIC GROUP
The term "carboxylic group" is derived from the combination of two words: "carboxyl" and "ic".
1. "Carboxyl" comes from the Latin word "carbo" meaning "carbon" and the Greek word "oxys" meaning "sharp" or "acid". This reflects the acidic nature of the carboxyl functional group.
2. The suffix "-ic" in chemistry is used to indicate that a compound or functional group is an acid. It is derived from the Latin "icus" and the Greek "-ikos".
Thus, when combining "carboxyl" and "-ic", we get "carboxylic group" which represents an organic functional group consisting of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (OH) bonded to the same carbon atom, resulting in an acidic compound.
