How many pi bonds does the following molecule contain? 

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify all the double bonds in the molecule. Each double bond consists of one sigma bond and one pi bond. Count the number of double bonds present.
2. Look for any triple bonds, which contain two pi bonds each. In this molecule, there are no triple bonds, so no additional pi bonds from triple bonds.
3. Examine the carbonyl group (C=O) in the carboxylic acid functional group. The double bond between carbon and oxygen contributes one pi bond.
4. Count the double bonds in the benzene ring. Benzene has alternating double bonds, each contributing one pi bond. Count how many such double bonds are present in the ring.
5. Sum all the pi bonds from the benzene ring and the carboxylic acid group to get the total number of pi bonds in the molecule.