Monocarboxylic meaning

Monocarboxylic means having one carboxylic acid group attached to a molecule.


Monocarboxylic definitions

Word backwards cilyxobraconom
Part of speech Adjective
Syllabic division mo-no-car-box-y-lic
Plural The plural of the word monocarboxylic is monocarboxylics.
Total letters 14
Vogais (3) o,a,i
Consonants (8) m,n,c,r,b,x,y,l

Monocarboxylic acids are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a single carboxylic acid functional group. These compounds play essential roles in various biological processes and industrial applications.

Structure and Properties

The structure of monocarboxylic acids consists of a carbon atom attached to a carboxyl group, which includes a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH). The general chemical formula for monocarboxylic acids is R-COOH, where R represents an alkyl group.

Types of Monocarboxylic Acids

Monocarboxylic acids can vary in chain length, ranging from short-chain monocarboxylic acids like acetic acid to long-chain acids such as stearic acid. Some common examples of monocarboxylic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid.

Biological Importance

Monocarboxylic acids are crucial in various biological processes. For instance, acetic acid is involved in the production of acetyl-CoA, a vital molecule in the citric acid cycle. Additionally, fatty acids, which are long-chain monocarboxylic acids, serve as essential energy sources for the body.

Industrial Applications

Monocarboxylic acids find extensive use in different industries. For example, acetic acid is commonly used in the production of vinegar, plastics, and synthetic fibers. Stearic acid is utilized in the manufacturing of cosmetics, candles, and soaps.

In conclusion, monocarboxylic acids are versatile compounds with diverse applications in biology and industry. Understanding their structure and properties is essential for harnessing their benefits across various fields.


Monocarboxylic Examples

  1. Monocarboxylic acids are organic compounds containing one carboxylic acid group.
  2. The production of monocarboxylic acid derivatives is an important step in organic synthesis.
  3. Phenylacetic acid is an example of a monocarboxylic acid with a phenyl group attached to the carboxylic acid group.
  4. Monocarboxylic acids are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry for drug synthesis.
  5. The solubility of monocarboxylic acids in water depends on the length of the carbon chain.
  6. Monocarboxylic acids play a role in the regulation of metabolism in living organisms.
  7. Butanoic acid, also known as butyric acid, is a monocarboxylic acid with a four-carbon chain.
  8. Monocarboxylic acids are often used as building blocks in the chemical industry.
  9. The pKa value of a monocarboxylic acid determines its strength as an acid in solution.
  10. Monocarboxylic acids can be classified based on the number of carbon atoms in their chain.


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  • Updated 12/06/2024 - 17:41:37