What is the name for a carbon-containing compound that features a carboxyl group (-COOH)?

A carbon-containing compound that features a carboxyl group (-COOH) is known as a carboxylic acid. The carboxyl group is characterized by the presence of a carbonyl (C=O) and a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group that are both attached to the same carbon atom. This structure is what defines carboxylic acids and gives them their acidic properties, as the hydrogen from the hydroxyl group can dissociate into a proton (H+), contributing to acidity.

Carboxylic acids are commonly found in many biological and chemical processes; for instance, acetic acid (found in vinegar) and citric acid (found in citrus fruits) are both examples. The presence of the carboxyl group contributes significantly to the physical properties and reactivity of these compounds, making them an important category in organic chemistry.

In contrast, amines are characterized by the presence of nitrogen, alcohols contain hydroxyl groups (-OH) without the carbonyl, and aldehydes have a carbonyl group at the end of a carbon chain. These functional groups provide distinctly different chemical behaviors and properties compared to those of carboxylic acids.