Important Organic Acids

What are Organic Acids?

Organic acids are a class of organic compounds that contain at least one carboxyl group (-COOH) in their molecular structure. They are commonly found in living organisms and play important roles in biochemical processes such as energy production, metabolism, and cellular signaling.


Name/ FormularChiefly found in
Lactic acid
C2H4OHCOOH
Sour milk
Acetic acid
CH3COOH
Vinegar
Formic acid (Methanoic acid)
HCO2H
Ant venom
Citric acid
C6H8O7
Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, orange
Oxalic acid
H2C2O4
Rhubarb, spinach
Butyric acid
CH3CH2CH2-COOH
Milk, butter
Lauric acid
CH3(CH2)10COOH
Coconut oil
Malic acid
HO2CCH2CHOHCO2H
Sour apples, sour grapes
Tartaric acid
C4H6O6
Grapes, tamarinds, pineapples
Erucic acid
CH3(CH2)7CH=
CH(CH2)11COOH
Rapeseed oil, Mustard oil

 

Properties of Acids

1. Acids have pH less than 7.
2. Acids turn blue litmus to red.
3. Acids have sour taste.
Reactions
With basesAcids react with bases to produce a salt and water.
With carbonatesAcids react with carbonates to produce salt, water and carbon dioxide.
With metalsAcids react with metals to produce a salt and hydrogen.

www.leadthecompetition.in

Select the right answer

1. Acid with the formula C6H8O7


2. Acid found in coconut oil


3. Grapes and tamarinds contain


4. Formic acid is found in


5. CH3COOH is the formula for