Carboxylic acid

Hey kiddo!

Have you ever smelled vinegar or lemon juice? Yes, they do smell a little sour. But do you know what makes them smell like that? It is a special kind of chemical called carboxylic acid.

Carboxylic acid is a type of molecule that contains a carbon atom, two oxygen atoms, and a hydrogen atom. It is called “carboxylic” because it has a “carboxyl” group attached to it, which is a group of atoms consisting of one carbon and one oxygen atom.

These types of acids are found all around us, even in our own bodies! In fact, one of the most important carboxylic acids in our body is called acetic acid, which is produced when we break down carbohydrates for energy.

Now, carboxylic acids can be found in a lot of things that we consume on a daily basis such as aspirin (to help reduce pain), citrus fruits (like lemons and oranges), and even in some types of wine.

So, next time you smell something a little sour, remember that it may just be a type of carboxylic acid!