AbstractSERS spectra of succinic and oxalic acids on silver sols have been revised. For the latter molecule the vibrational spectrum has been assigned on the basis of AM1 and 3‐21Gab initioforce field calculations. Also, SERS of the malonate ion is presented for the first time, showing some general characteristics similar to the aforementioned. The results have been analysed together, and a model is proposed in which the interaction with the surface is through one carboxylate group in the case of oxalic acid and through both carboxylate groups in the case of malonic and succinic acid