Carboxylates meaning

Carboxylates are salts or esters of carboxylic acids, containing the COO- group.


Carboxylates definitions

Word backwards setalyxobrac
Part of speech The word "carboxylates" is a verb. It is the third person singular form of the verb "carboxylate."
Syllabic division car-box-y-lates
Plural The plural of the word "carboxylate" is "carboxylates."
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) a,o,e
Consonants (8) c,r,b,x,y,l,t,s

Carboxylates are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl group, which is composed of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). This functional group is commonly found in carboxylic acids, which are known for their acidic properties.

Properties of Carboxylates

Carboxylates are typically water-soluble due to the presence of the hydrophilic carboxyl group. They are often used as salts, where the acidic hydrogen of the carboxylic acid is replaced by a metal ion or an organic cation. This transformation leads to the formation of carboxylate salts, which are more stable and have different properties compared to the parent carboxylic acids.

Applications of Carboxylates

Carboxylates find applications in various industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. In agriculture, carboxylate salts are used as chelating agents for micronutrient fertilizers to enhance plant growth. In pharmaceuticals, carboxylates serve as intermediates in the synthesis of various drugs. Additionally, they are utilized as preservatives in food processing to extend the shelf life of products.

Environmental Impact

Carboxylates play a significant role in environmental chemistry due to their chelating properties. They can form complexes with heavy metal ions, reducing their toxicity in the environment. The use of carboxylates as chelating agents in industrial processes helps in minimizing the impact of heavy metal pollution on ecosystems.

In conclusion, carboxylates are versatile compounds with diverse applications across different industries. Their unique properties make them valuable in various fields, from agriculture to environmental remediation. Understanding the chemistry of carboxylates is essential for harnessing their potential benefits while minimizing any adverse environmental impact.


Carboxylates Examples

  1. Sodium carboxylates are commonly used in the production of soaps and detergents.
  2. Carboxylates act as ligands in coordination chemistry, forming complexes with metal ions.
  3. Carboxylates are important intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.
  4. Potassium carboxylates are used as additives in drilling fluids for oil and gas wells.
  5. Carboxylates are found in some herbicides, playing a role in their mode of action.
  6. Calcium carboxylates are used as stabilizers in plastic and rubber manufacturing processes.
  7. Organic carboxylates are often used as corrosion inhibitors in metalworking fluids.
  8. Silver carboxylates have been explored for their antimicrobial properties in biomedical applications.
  9. Nickel carboxylates are catalysts for various organic transformations in chemistry.
  10. Carboxylates are present in fatty acids, which are essential components of cell membranes.


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  • Updated 01/07/2024 - 11:27:38