Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

Carboxylic acid derivatives are compounds that are related to carboxylic acids but have a modified structure. They include esters, amides, anhydrides, and acyl chlorides. These derivatives maintain the key carboxyl group (–COOH) but have different functional groups attached, which alters their properties and reactivity. For example, esters are often fruity-smelling compounds found in perfumes, while amides are commonly used in pharmaceuticals. These derivatives are important in chemistry and industry for making various products, including plastics, dyes, and medicines, due to their versatility in reactions and applications.