Carboxylic acid: Learn about the structure

Learn about the structure, classification, properties and reactions of carboxylic acids and their derivatives, such as esters, amides, anhydrides and acyl chlorides. Find examples, formulas, mechanisms and reactivity orders of these organic compounds. Carboxylic acid Structure of a carboxylic acid Carboxylate anion 3D structure of a carboxylic acid In organic chemistry, a carboxylic acid is an organic acid that contains a carboxyl group (−C (=O)−OH) [1] attached to an R-group. A carboxylic acid is an organic compound that contains a carboxyl functional group (-COOH). This special group is made of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the same carbon atom. This structure is what gives them their characteristic acidic properties. Carboxylic acids are the organic compounds containing the carboxyl group (-COOH) as a functional group. Nomenclature of Carboxylic Acids .