Provide an example of a carboxylic acid and an ester.

Example of a carboxylic acid and an ester

A carboxylic acid is a compound that contains a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a carbon atom. An example of a carboxylic acid is acetic acid, which is found in vinegar and has the chemical formula CH3COOH.

An ester is a compound that is formed by the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Esters have a sweet, fruity smell and are commonly used in perfumes and flavourings. An example of an ester is ethyl acetate, which is used as a solvent and has the chemical formula CH3COOCH2CH3.

Carboxylic acids and esters are important in biological systems. Carboxylic acids are involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, and are also used in the synthesis of proteins and other biomolecules. Esters are found in many natural products, such as fats and oils, and are also used in the synthesis of hormones and other signalling molecules.

In summary, acetic acid is an example of a carboxylic acid, while ethyl acetate is an example of an ester. Both of these compounds are important in biological systems and have a variety of uses in industry and everyday life.