Organic acids are very important compounds in living things. First they are important components of structural molecules such as phospholipids and are an important source of energy.
Organic acids have a carboxyl group and long a chain of carbons attached to it.
This diagram shows formic acid, the simplest organic acid. This acid is an important alarm and defensive compound for many ants . Previous Page, Next Page Acetic acid, the acid in vinegar, has one more carbon than formic acid. Previous Page, Next Page Fatty acids have a long chain of carbon and hydrogens attached to the carboxyl group. Oleic Acid is a common saturated fatty acid.