Malonic acid

Malonic acid, systematic name propanedioic acid, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₂(COOH)₂. It is the second-simplest dicarboxylic acid. It is used in the organic synthesis of many other compounds.

Reactions

Malonic acid is a polyprotic acid and can react with up to four equivalents of base. The carboxylic acid groups react to make malonates. The central methylene bridge of malonate is activated by the two carbonyl groups, and can react further with strong bases. The reaction with alkoxides is used in the malonic ester synthesis.