dicarboxylic acid
Quick Summary
A dicarboxylic acid is an organic compound with two carboxyl (COOH) functional groups. These compounds are generally weaker acids than mineral acids but stronger than other organic compounds with hydroxyl groups.1
Dicarboxylic acids occur widely in nature and are important in biological processes. For example, oxalic acid is found in many vegetables and fruits, while malic acid is in apples and tartaric acid is in grapes. They are also components of metabolic pathways like the tricarboxylic acid cycle.2
Simple dicarboxylic acids exhibit different behaviors when heated. Oxalic acid decomposes into formic acid, carbon monoxide, and water. Malonic acid loses carbon dioxide to form acetic acid. Succinic and glutaric acids can form cyclic anhydrides upon heating.2
Dicarboxylic acids have various applications. Adipic acid is used in the production of nylon, and maleic anhydride is used in Diels-Alder reactions.2
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