Carboxylic Acids and Esters

Structures and Names of 50 Most Important Carboxylic Acids, Their Esters & Salts

Carboxylic acids and esters are one of the most important classes of organic compounds. They are everywhere:* in food (citric acid; vinegar = a solution of acetic acid);* in medicines (aspirin = acetylsalicylic acid); * in fats (triglycerides are esters of fatty acids and glycerol);* in plastics (polyesters);* in biochemistry (transformation of pyruvate through the citric acid cycle);* and even in ants :) (formic ac…