Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Carboxylate (carboxylate ion): (1) The conjugate base (RCO2-) of a carboxylic acid (RCOOH).


Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a carboxylic acid.


Acetate ion (CH3CO2-) is a carboxylate.

(2) An ester of a carboxylic acid. Perhaps better referred to by the less confusing term carboxylate ester.


Ethyl acetate (the ethyl ester of acetic acid) is also a carboxylate, but perhaps better referred to by the less confusing term carboxylate ester.