What functional group is involved in the structure of carboxylic acids?

A carboxylic acid is characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group in its structure. This functional group is composed of a carbon atom that is double-bonded to an oxygen atom (the carbonyl part) and also single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (the alcohol part). The general formula for a carboxylic acid is RCOOH, where R represents a hydrocarbon chain or hydrogen.

The carboxyl group (-COOH) not only defines the chemical properties of carboxylic acids, making them acidic due to the ability to donate a proton (H+), but also contributes to their reactivity and role in various biological and chemical processes. This acidity is a key distinguishing feature of carboxylic acids compared to other organic compounds.

In contrast, while hydroxyl groups are present in alcohols, amino groups are characteristic of amines, and carbonyl groups are found in aldehydes and ketones, they do not define the structure of carboxylic acids. The presence of the carboxyl group is what sets carboxylic acids apart and is fundamental in identifying them within various organic compounds.