Hydroxy acid

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.

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