Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl group, which is made up of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and also bonded to a hydroxyl group (–OH). This functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of these compounds. Common examples include acetic acid, found in vinegar, and citric acid, present in citrus fruits. These acids can be classified as either saturated or unsaturated, depending on the presence of double bonds in their carbon chains. Carboxylic acids are important in various fields, including biochemistry, where they play a role in metabolic processes, and in the production of esters and amides used in food and pharmaceuticals.