Hydroksykwasy: Structure and Preparation
Hydroksykwasy are organic compounds characterized by the presence of both hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups in their molecular structure. Their general formula is (OH)mR(COOH)n, where R represents the carbon chain.
Structure and Nomenclature
The naming of hydroksykwasy follows specific rules based on the position of the hydroxyl group relative to the carboxyl group. For example:
- CH3-CH(OH)-COOH is called kwas 2-hydroksypropanowy (2-hydroxypropanoic acid or lactic acid)
- The salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) is named kwas 2-hydroksybenzenokarboksylowy
Example: Lactic acid (CH3-CH(OH)-COOH) is a common hydroksykwas found in sour milk and is produced during muscle exertion.
Preparation Methods
There are several methods to obtain hydroksykwasy:
- From carboxylic acids (3 steps)
- From phenolates (2 steps)
- Through lactic fermentation
Highlight: Lactic fermentation is a biological process where bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid, a key hydroksykwas.
Properties
Właściwości fizyczne hydroksykwasów include:
- Colorless appearance
- Liquid or solid state at room temperature
- Water-soluble
- High melting and boiling points due to hydrogen bonding
Definition: Hydrogen bonding is an intermolecular force that occurs between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen) and another highly electronegative atom.
These properties make hydroksykwasy important in various applications, from food preservation to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
