Editing Carboxylic acid (section)

==Occurrence and applications==
Many carboxylic acids are produced industrially on a large scale. They are also frequently found in nature. Esters of fatty acids are the main components of lipids and polyamides of [[amino acid|aminocarboxylic acids]] are the main components of [[protein]]s.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

Carboxylic acids are used in the production of polymers, pharmaceuticals, solvents, and food additives. Industrially important carboxylic acids include [[acetic acid]] (component of vinegar, precursor to solvents and coatings), [[acrylic acid|acrylic and methacrylic acids]] (precursors to polymers, adhesives), [[adipic acid]] (polymers), [[citric acid]] (a flavor and preservative in food and beverages), [[ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid]] (chelating agent), [[fatty acid]]s (coatings), [[maleic acid]] (polymers), [[propionic acid]] (food preservative), [[terephthalic acid]] (polymers). Important carboxylate salts are soaps.{{cn|date=May 2025}}