Organic acids, particularly carboxylic acids, are primarily classified into two main groups based on the nature of the carbon group attached to the carboxyl group (-COOH): aliphatic and aromatic.
Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids
- These acids, also known as alkanoic acids, have the -COOH group attached to an alkyl group (a straight or branched chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms).
- Examples: Acetic acid (CH3COOH), Butyric acid (CH3CH2CH2COOH).
Aromatic Carboxylic Acids
- In aromatic carboxylic acids, the -COOH group is attached to an aromatic ring, typically a benzene ring.
- Examples: Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH), Salicylic acid (C6H4(OH)COOH).
In summary, organic acids are classified by whether the carboxyl group is attached to an aliphatic (alkyl) or aromatic (aryl) group.
