Carboxylic acids
Methanoic acid Muurahaishappo also called formic acid HCOOH
Ethanoic acid Etikkahappo vinegar E260 CH 3 COOH
Ethanol is oxidised to become ethanoic acid
Propanoic acid Propionihappo C 2 H 5 COOH Many uses – eg preserving food, curing fungal infections on feet
Butanoic acid Voihappo C 3 H 7 COOH It is found in rancid butter, parmesan cheese, vomit, and body odor and has an unpleasant smell
Pentanoic acid Valeriaanahappo C 4 H 9 COOH Found in the plant valerian which has been used as a herbal sedative
Other carboxylic acids - foods Citric acid E330 Sitruunahappo– lemons, oranges, limes Ascorbic acid E300 – vitamin C Lactic acid, E270 Maitohappo Malic acid Omenahappo Oxalic acid Oksaalihappo
Other carboxylic acids Amino acids – in DNA Salicylic acid – willow bark -> aspirin pain relief Ulcer
Carboxylic acids are used to make esters, a group of smelly (often nice smelling) chemicals Alcohol + carboxylic acid -> ester + water