60 THE THEORY OF IONS 



radicals.* Fundamental dibasic acids have two 

 carboxyl groups in the chain, and are formed by 

 removing hydroxyls from these groups. In this 

 manner oxalic acid is derived from acetic acid, and 

 succinic acid from propionic. When succinic acid is 

 oxidised by an OH ion displacing and taking the 

 place of an H atom we get malic acid ; by hydroxyls 



9 

 O" 4-o 



Palinitin C 51 H 98 6 



replacing two H atoms from succinic acid or one 

 from malic acid we get tartaric acid. Glycollic acid 

 in unripe fruit is also formed by the oxidation of 

 acetic acid through the action of the OH ion. Lactic 

 acid is formed by oxidation of propionic acid in this 

 way, and other organic acids are formed in a similar 

 manner. 



* Diagrams from Holler's " Chemistry." 



