What is "hydroxy acid"

Hydroxy- \Hy*drox"y-\ (Chem.) A combining form, also used adjectively, indicating hydroxyl as an ingredient.

Hydroxy acid (Chem.), an organic acid, having (besides the hydroxyl group of the carboxyl radical) an alcoholic hydroxyl group, and thus having the qualities of an alcohol in addition to its acid properties; as, lactic and tartaric acids are hydroxy acids.

n. (context chemistry English) a carboxylic acid that also contains a hydroxy group

n. any acid that has hydroxyl groups in addition to the hydroxyl group in the acid itself

Hydroxy acid is a chemical from the following groups:

• Alpha hydroxy acid, with hydroxyl group attached to the carbon atom next to the carboxyl group. The carbon atom has number 2, and the names of the chemicals start with "2-hydroxy".
• Beta hydroxy acid, with hydroxyl group attached to the second carbon atom when counting from the carboxyl group. The carbon atom has number 3, and the names of the chemicals start with "3-hydroxy".
• Omega hydroxy acid, with hydroxyl group attached to the carbon atom most distant from the carboxyl group.

The name "hydroxy acid" can also be used to describe other similar compounds.