carboxylation
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /kɑːrˈbɒksəleɪʃən/
KK: /kɑrˈbɑksəˌleɪʃən/
noun
Definition
The process of adding a carboxyl group to a molecule, which is a functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and also bonded to a hydroxyl group.
Example
Carboxylation is an important step in the synthesis of various organic compounds.
Conversation
I was reading about carboxylation in my chemistry book yesterday.
Oh really? What does it involve?
It’s all about adding a carboxyl group to a molecule.
That sounds interesting! I didn’t know that was a thing.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
carboxylation
addition
substitution
Antonyms
decarboxylation
removal
extraction
Root Explanation
Carboxylation → It is formed from "carboxyl" (from the combination of "carboxy" which comes from "carbon" and "oxygen" and the suffix "-yl" indicating a functional group) and "-ation" (meaning the process of). The word refers to the process of introducing a carboxyl group into a compound.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'carboxyl' group, which includes 'carbon' and 'oxygen', and remember that 'carboxylation' is the process of adding this group to a molecule.
Visually Confused Words
decarboxylation
decarboxylization