Dicarboxylates, also known as dicarboxylic acids, are a type of organic chemical that has two carboxyl groups (-COOH) inside its molecular structure. These compounds are essential in a wide range of biological activities, industrial applications, and environmental cycles. Oxalic acid, found in many vegetables and utilized as a rust remover, is one of the most common dicarboxylates. Succinic acid, another important constituent, functions as an intermediary in the citric acid cycle, which is essential for energy production in living organisms. Adipic acid is frequently used in the manufacture of nylon and polyurethane, demonstrating its significance in the manufacturing industry. Dicarboxylates have varied features due to their propensity to produce salts and esters, allowing them to be used in a variety of disciplines. Their water solubility allows them to participate in biochemical pathways, assisting in metabolic processes within organisms. Furthermore, their synthetic reactivity and capacity to form complexes are used in medicines, polymers, and food additives. Dicarboxylates contribute in the carbon cycle as intermediates in the breakdown of organic materials in the environment. Microorganisms use these chemicals to break down complex molecules, which contributes to nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Dicarboxylates are used as platform chemicals in biotechnology to create bio-based products and biofuels. Renewable resources can be converted into valuable dicarboxylate-derived products by fermentation processes using engineered microbes, promoting sustainability in a variety of industries. The importance of dicarboxylates extends to chelation therapy, in which they are used to remove poisonous metals from the body by generating stable complexes, assisting in the treatment of metal poisoning. Researchers are continuing to investigate new applications and efficient production methods for dicarboxylates, with the goal of maximizing their potential in sustainable chemistry and biotechnology. Understanding their biochemical processes and metabolic activities in organisms is still a work in progress, but it provides insights into their broader significance in health, industry, and the environment. Finally, dicarboxylates are a broad set of chemicals having several applications in a variety of areas, including biochemical processes, industrial manufacture, environmental cycles, and therapeutic treatments.
