Carboxylate

A carboxylate is a chemical compound that forms when a carboxylic acid loses a hydrogen ion (proton) from its carboxyl group (–COOH), resulting in a negatively charged ion called a carboxylate ion (–COO⁻). This process typically occurs during chemical reactions like neutralization or in biological systems. Carboxylates are commonly found in salts such as sodium acetate or calcium carbonate. They play important roles in biochemical processes and are used in industries like food preservation, medicine, and manufacturing. In essence, a carboxylate is the deprotonated, negatively charged form of a carboxylic acid.