Dicarboxylic acid

In organic chemistry, a dicarboxylic acid is an organic compound containing two carboxyl groups (−COOH). The general molecular formula for dicarboxylic acids can be written as HO2C−R−CO2H, where R can be aliphatic or aromatic.[1] In general, dicarboxylic acids show similar chemical behavior and reactivity to monocarboxylic acids.[1] Dicarboxylic acids are usually colorless solids. A wide variety of dicarboxylic acids are used in industry. Adipic acid, for example, is a precursor to certain kinds of nylon. A wide variety of dicarboxylic acids are found in nature. Aspartic acid and glutamic acid are two amino acids found in all life. Succinic and fumaric acids are essential for metabolism. A large inventory of derivatives are known including many mono- and diesters, amides, etc.[2]

  1. ^ a b Boy Cornils, Peter Lappe "Dicarboxylic Acids, Aliphatic" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 2014, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. doi:10.1002/14356007.a08_523.pub3
  2. ^ Bernthsen, A. (1922). Organic Chemistry. London: Blackie & Son. p. 242.
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