Alpha hydroxycarboxylic acid
Class of chemical compounds / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Alpha hydroxy carboxylic acids, or α-hydroxy carboxylic acids (AHAs), are a group of carboxylic acids featuring a hydroxy group located one carbon atom away from the acid group. This structural aspect distinguishes them from beta hydroxy acids, where the functional groups are separated by two carbon atoms.[1] Notable AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and citric acid.
α-Hydroxy acids are stronger acids compared to their non-alpha hydroxy counterparts, a property enhanced by internal hydrogen bonding.[2][3][4] AHAs serve a dual purpose; industrially, they are utilized as additives in animal feed and as precursors for polymer synthesis.[5][6][7][8] In cosmetics, they are commonly used for their ability to chemically exfoliate the skin and moisturize.[9]