What is the structure of a carboxylic acid?

The structure of a carboxylic acid is represented as R-COOH, where R denotes a hydrocarbon chain or a hydrogen atom. The functional group of a carboxylic acid is characterized by the presence of the carboxyl group (-COOH), which consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (the carbonyl part) and also bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). This specific arrangement is what defines carboxylic acids and distinguishes them from other organic compounds.

The R group can vary widely, which leads to a diverse range of carboxylic acids in terms of their properties and uses. For example, if R is a simple alkyl group, it might be a saturated carboxylic acid like acetic acid (CH3COOH). If R is a longer hydrocarbon chain, this could lead to fatty acids. The distinctive -COOH group is crucial for the acidic properties of these compounds, as it can donate a proton (H+), making the compound an acid.

The other structures provided do not represent carboxylic acids. For instance, R-CHO represents an aldehyde, which has a different functional group. R-O-R' denotes an ether,