THE ROLE OF CARBOXYLIC ACIDS IN GREEN CHEMISTRY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The rapid development of industry and technology has significantly improved human life; however, it has also led to serious environmental challenges, including pollution, excessive consumption of natural resources, and the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. In response to these issues, the concept of green chemistry has emerged as a sustainable approach aimed at reducing the environmental impact of chemical processes. Carboxylic acids, an important class of organic compounds, play a significant role in the development of environmentally friendly technologies. These compounds are widely used in food production, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, polymer synthesis, and biodegradable materials. This article discusses the structure, properties, classification, and applications of carboxylic acids, with particular emphasis on their contribution to green chemistry and sustainable development.