* Carboxyl group is an organic functional group. It contains a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and also single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH).

* Acidic is the term used to describe a compound that releases hydrogen ions (H+) in water.

Here's how it works:

* The carboxyl group's hydrogen atom attached to the oxygen is relatively acidic. This means it can be easily removed as a proton (H+), leaving behind a negatively charged carboxylate ion (COO-).

* When a carboxyl group is in water, this dissociation reaction occurs, releasing H+ ions and making the solution more acidic.

Therefore, the carboxyl group makes organic compounds containing it acidic, not the other way around.

Let me know if you have any other questions!