What Does
Carboxylic Acid Mean?
Carboxylic acid is a type of organic compound that widely occurs in forms of acetic acid and amino acids, and is the main ingredient in vinegar. It is usually linked with extra functional groups. A typical carboxylic acid has around 10 carbon atoms, a low melting point, is in liquid form and possess an unpleasant smell.
This compound has many industrial uses, but its usefulness in corrosion control is highly recognized.
Corrosionpedia Explains Carboxylic Acid
Carboxylic acids have boiling points higher than water due to heightened surface area and their ability to create stable chemical structures. These acids boil or evaporate along with the chemical structures. To achieve boiling, the bonds of the chemical structures vaporize or break off.
In terms of solubility, carboxylic acids are considered polar and usually engage in processes such as hydrogen bonding. They are also present in pairs of chemical structures and are capable of self-association. When it comes to acidity, they are weak and only a part of the compound dissociates into hydrogen cations.
As it is widely occurring, carboxylic acid also has many applications in industry. It can be utilized in the manufacturing of solvents, pharmaceutical products, polymers as well as food additives. These acids also serve as excellent precursors to coatings and solvents due to their anti-corrosion properties.
More specifically, carboxylic acids are capable of inhibiting corrosion, especially in objects exposed to sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric solutions. The rate of inhibition actually depends on the position and quantity of carboxylic groups along with other substituents.