Organic Acids and Sources

Organic Acids and Sources

Organic acids and their sources are very important for your upcoming competitive examinations for government jobs such as UPSC, IAS, CGL, SSC, CHSL, MTS, Railway, Banking, etc.

What is acid?

Acids are the compounds that contain one or more hydrogen (H) atom and produce hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) as an only positive ion in the solutions of water. The PH value of acids is less than 7 and turn blue litmus to red.

What is organic acid?

Organic acids are those which obtain mainly from living organisms such as plants. Carbon must be contained in organic acid.

Exception : Carbonic Acid (H₂CO₃)is not an organic acid though it                         contains Carbon atom in its molecule.

List of Organic Acids with their Sources and Formula

# Acetic acid :

Source : Vinegar

Formula : CH₃COOH

# Citric acid :

Source : Citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, orange, etc.

Formula : C₆H₈O₇

# Butyric Acid :

Source : Rancid butter and milk

Formula : CH₃CH₂CH₂-COOH

# Hydrochloric Acid :

Source : Gastric juice

Formula : HCl

# Formic Acid :

Source : sting of bees and ant.

Formula : HCO₂H

# Lactic Acid :

Source : Sour milk

Formula : C₂H₄OHCOOH

# Maleic Acid :

Source : Apples and Grapes

Formula : HO₂CCH₂CHOHCO₂H

# Oleic Acid :

Source : Olive Oil

Formula : C₁₈H₃₄O₂

# Oxalic Acid :

Source : Tomatoes, Rhubarb, spinach

Formula:  H₂C₂O₄

# Stearic Acid :

Source  Fats

Formula : CH₃(CH₂)₁₆COOH

# Tarteric Acid :

Source : Grapes, tamarinds, pineapples

Formula : C₄H₆O₆

# Uric Acid :

Source : Urin

Formula :  C₅H₄N₄O₃

# Phenolic Acid :

Source : Coffee, strawberry, nuts etc

Formula : C₆H₇O₃