23 Carboxylic Acid Uses: Facts You Should Know!

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Carboxylic acids are organic composites comprising the functional group -COOH having a molar mass of 274.4 g/mol. Let us concentrate on certain -COOH usages.

-COOH is a widely applied functional group, therefore is composed of varieties of compounds having different uses in food, manufacturing and paint industries:

  • Acetic acid uses
  • Formic acid uses
  • Benzoic acid uses
  • Oxalic acid uses
  • Citric acid uses
  • Succinic acid uses

This article will provide an in-depth understanding of the numerous uses of -COOH compounds in various fields and sectors.

Acetic acid Uses

Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is an organic compound having a specific odor with a molar mass of 60.05 g/mol. 
Some of the uses of (CH3COOH) are listed underneath:

  • CH3COOH is used in food as a preservative and flavouring agent. For instance, it is employed in the creation of vinegar and pickling.
  • A crucial ingredient in the manufacture of fibers and plastics is CH3COOH. Polymers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl ethanol are produced using it.
  • CH3COOH is applied to produce colors and pigments.

Formic acid Uses

Formic acid (HCOOH) is the simplest colorless, caustic, combustible, and has a strong-smelling carboxylic acid. It has a molar mass of 46.025 g/mol. 
The following is a listing of HCOOH’s applications:

  • In the agricultural sector, formic acid and its derivatives are frequently employed as a pesticide to manage pests like ants, aphids, and mites.
  • In addition to being used to tan leather, formic acid is also utilized as a preservative for hides and skins.
  • The manufacturing of cheeses, wines and other dairy products.
  • Formic acid also serves as a solvent, as an industrial cleaner, and in the manufacture of polymers and rubber.

Benzoic acid Uses 

Benzoic acid (C6H5CO2H) white, crystal-like solid organic compound. It has a molar mass of 122.12 g/mol. The applications of HCOOH are listed below:

  • As benzoic acid effectively inhibits microbial spoilage, it is employed as a food preservative.
  • In addition to being present naturally in many fruits, it is also present in several processed foods.
  • To preserve carbonated beverages, pickles, and other food products, sodium benzoate, a salt made from benzoic acid, is employed. 
  • The creation of paints, inks, and colours also uses benzoic acid.

Oxalic acid Uses

Oxalic acid (C2H2O4) is the simplest dicarboxylic acid with a sour taste. It is an oxidising agent having a molar mass of 90.03 g/mol. 
The following is a list of C2H2O4 uses:

  • Fabric, porcelain, and other surfaces can be cleaned of rust and iron stains by using bleaching solutions containing oxalic acid.
  • Oxalic acid is also employed as a wood bleach to make oak and other hardwoods appear lighter in color.

Citric acid Uses

Citric acid (C6H8O7) is an organic weak acidwith a molar mass of 192.124 g/mol. It has apH between 3.13 – 4.75. 
The uses of C6H8O7are listed below:

  • Citric acid is added to soft drinks and other drinks to give them a tart flavour.
  • Citric acid is applied as a moderate acidulate to change the pH of some cosmetics.
  • Citric acid is applied as a descaling agent to keep coffee makers and other kitchen appliances from accumulating limescale.

Succinic acid Uses

Succinic acid (C4H6O4), also identified as butanedioic acid is sour tasted crystalline organic compound having a molar mass of 118.08 g/mol.
Listed underneath are the applications of C4H6O4:

  •  Polyester and alkyd resin manufacturing both include the usage of succinic acid.
  • Producing biodegradable plastics, which are more environmentally friendly than conventional plastics, can be done using succinic acid.
  • As an intermediary in the production of several APIs, it is also utilized in the pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusion

The article projected uses of the functional group -COOH and its compounds. Due to -COOHabundance and variety of uses, they constitute one of the most significant types of organic compounds. Depending on its structure, a -COOH molar mass ranges from 60 to 120 g/mol.