Carboxylic acids

Methanoic acid Muurahaishappo

also called formic acid

HCOOH

Ethanoic acid Etikkahappo

vinegar

E260

CH3COOH

Ethanol is oxidised to become ethanoic acid

Propanoic acid Propionihappo

C2H

5COOH

Many uses – eg preserving food, curing fungal infections on feet

Butanoic acid Voihappo

C3H

7COOH

It is found in rancid butter, parmesan cheese, vomit, and body odor and has an unpleasant smell

Pentanoic acidValeriaanahappo

C4H

9COOH

Found in the plant valerian which has been used as a herbal sedative

Other carboxylic acids - foods

Citric acid E330 Sitruunahappo– lemons, oranges, limesAscorbic 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