Many carboxylic acids are much better known by their common names than by their

Chapter 18, Problem 18.13

(choose chapter or problem)

Many carboxylic acids are much better known by their common names than by their systematic names. Some of these follow. Provide a structural formula for each one on the basis of its systematic name. (a) 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid (better known as lactic acid, it is found in sour milk and is formed in the muscles during exercise) (b) 2-Hydroxy-2-phenylethanoic acid (also known as mandelic acid, it is obtained from plums, peaches, and other fruits) (c) Tetradecanoic acid (also known as myristic acid, it can be obtained from a variety of fats) (d) 10-Undecenoic acid (also called undecylenic acid, it is used, in combination with its zinc salt, to treat fungal infections such as athletes foot) 763 car02745_ch18_736-769.indd 763 10/9/12 1:32 PM (e) 3,5-Dihydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid (also called mevalonic acid, it is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of terpenes and steroids) (f) (E)-2-Methyl-2-butenoic acid (also known as tiglic acid, it is a constituent of various natural oils) (g) 2-Hydroxybutanedioic acid (also known as malic acid, it is found in apples and other fruits) (h) 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid (better known as citric acid, it contributes to the tart taste of citrus fruits) (i) 2-(p-Isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid (an antiinflammatory drug better known as ibuprofen) (j) o-Hydroxybenzenecarboxylic acid (better known as salicylic acid, it is obtained from willow bark)