Citing previous research into the attractiveness of carboxylic acid, a molecule that is part of the skin’s moisturizing layer, the Rockefeller scientists performed a chemical analysis looking ...

an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid. The normal numbering system, starting with the carboxylic acid, is shown in blue. The carbons and oxygens of the carboxylic acid functional group are red.

Carboxylic acids can undergo reduction reactions. Reduction is the opposite of oxidation. For example, ethanoic acid (CH 3 COOH) can be formed by the oxidation of ethanol as shown below.

A carboxylic acid is one which contains -COOH as its functional group. In comparison to mineral acids, carboxylic acids show some similarities, but also, some important differences.