Definition

A type of chemical compound that is a salt or ester derived from a carboxylic acid.

Example

Sodium carboxylate is commonly used in various chemical reactions.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a carboxylate?

Yeah, I think it's some kind of salt from a carboxylic acid, right?

Exactly! It’s interesting how chemistry has so many unique compounds.

For sure, learning about them can be really fascinating!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To add a carboxyl group to a compound, which often results in the formation of a carboxylic acid.

Example

In organic chemistry, scientists often carboxylate compounds to enhance their reactivity.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know that you can actually carboxylate some organic compounds to create acids?

Really? I had no idea that was even possible!

Yeah, it's pretty interesting how adding a carboxyl group changes the properties.

Root Explanation

Carboxylate is formed from "carboxyl" (from the combination of "carboxy-" which comes from "carbon" and "oxygen" and the suffix "-yl" indicating a functional group) and "-ate" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a salt or ester of an acid). The term refers to the salt or ester derived from a carboxylic acid, indicating the presence of a carboxyl group in the compound.

Memory Tip

Think of 'carboxyl' as a functional group made of 'carbon' and 'oxygen', and remember that '-ate' indicates a salt or ester, so a carboxylate is a compound related to that functional group.

Visually Confused Words