Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the compound with the chemical formula COF_3?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Naming Molecular Compounds
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Which of the following is the correct name for the molecular compound with the formula C2H4O2?
A
Methanol
B
Acetic acid
C
Ethylene glycol
D
Formic acid
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the molecular formula given, which is C2H4O2. This formula indicates the compound contains 2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.
Step 2: Recognize that C2H4O2 can correspond to several isomers, including acetic acid (a carboxylic acid), ethylene glycol (a diol), and others. The key is to determine the functional group present.
Step 3: Recall the common names and structures of the options: Methanol (CH3OH) has only one carbon, so it cannot be C2H4O2; Ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) has more hydrogens than C2H4O2; Formic acid (CH2O2) has only one carbon.
Step 4: Understand that acetic acid has the structure CH3COOH, which matches the formula C2H4O2, containing a carboxyl group (-COOH) responsible for its acidic properties.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct name for the molecular compound with formula C2H4O2 is acetic acid, based on the molecular formula and functional group analysis.
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