Oily acid: properties and uses

Carbonic acids are organic bio-compounds that, in the structure of their molecules, contain one or more carboxyl groups. The class of carboxylic acids combines a huge amount of organic substances that contain them in the structure. In addition to these groups, other functional groups may also be present in carboxylic acid molecules, which cause properties not characteristic of compounds with only carboxyl groups.

Monobasic saturated carboxylic acids are derivatives of alkanes, in the molecule of which the hydrogen atom is replaced by COOH. Such compounds are sometimes called acid aliphatic, or fatty, series, since some of them are isolated from the products of the hydrolysis of fats.

Carboxylic acids in nature are in free (for example, formic - in insect secretions, in urine and potatoes, nettles, some fruits and vegetables) and bound (for example, higher fatty acids in the form of triacylglycerols) states. Higher fatty acids are obtained due to the hydrolysis of neutral fats and oils. Most organic acids are produced by organic synthesis methods.

Isobutyric acid is obtained during the oxidation of isobutyl alcohol. For the oxidation of isobutanol, an alkaline solution of potassium permanganate is used. Under laboratory conditions, this acid can also be obtained by oxidation of isobutyric aldehyde. In natural conditions, it is found in oil and arnica roots. This acid is used in the process of manufacturing perfume products, the production of plasticizers for varnishes, emulsifiers.

The first homologues (formic, acetate, propionic and butyric acids) of monobasic saturated carboxylic acids have a sharp odor, mix well with H2O in different ratios. The following three representatives are acids with an unpleasant odor, all the rest are solids.

Butyric acid - a liquid with a sharp unpleasant odor, boils at a temperature of 163.5 ° C. It is found in the free state (sweat) and in the form of esters (glycerides of cow's oil).

Oily acid: the formula - C3H7COOH

Since this compound has in its structure one carboxyl group, it is referred to monobasic saturated fatty acids. Oleic acid is formed due to the oil-acid fermentation of carbohydrates, in industry - by the oxidation of n-butane or oily aldehyde. This acid is used in the production of aromatics, the synthesis of medicines, the production of plasticizers, cellulose acetylbutyrate, etc.

Low-molecular acids can also form in the process of bacterial synthesis in the large intestine. One of the most important low molecular weight acids that are synthesized in the intestine is butyric acid. The correlation between the deficit of low-molecular acids and the frequency of development and exacerbation of diseases of the large intestine (ulcerative colitis, malignant neoplasms) has been scientifically proven. Oleic acid is the main energy material for epithelial cells, it supports intestinal homeostasis. This acid shows anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effect, affects the appetite, prevents the development of oxidative stress.

For the treatment of certain diseases, physicians use this acid for therapeutic purposes. Initially, this acid was introduced into the body rectally, because when administered orally it was rapidly hydrolyzed in the stomach. The therapeutic effect in this case was insignificant. Foreign specialists have developed a new dosage form of a bioactive substance for oral use. The structure of the drug included sodium butyrate and a polymer shell. However, this drug also showed low efficiency. The best therapeutic effect was obtained with the use of drugs, which include calcium butyrate and prebiotic ("Zakofalk").