Common Names of Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are widely known by their common names, which are derived from their common parent name suffixed with -ic acid. The parent names usually indicate their source of origin. Figure 1 lists the common names of some carboxylic acids.

In substituted carboxylic acids, the substituent positions are denoted by Greek letters—α, β, γ, δ, ε, …, ω—where α is the carbon directly attached to the –COOH group and ω is the last carbon of the hydrocarbon chain.

Carboxylic acids having –CH(CH₃)₂ or CH₃CO– groups as substituents are often given a prefix iso– and aceto– to their parent name.

Most dicarboxylic acids are known by their common names.

Common names like oxalic, malonic, succinic, glutaric, adipic, and pimelic acids are remembered by a mnemonic “Oh, My, Such Good Apple Pie”.

For substituted dicarboxylic acids, Greek letter prefixes are also used. In these cases, the letterings start from the carboxyl end closer to the substituent.