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Ch.14 Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, and Amides
Timberlake - Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry 13th Edition
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 14, Problem 3b

Write the IUPAC and common name, if any, for each of the following carboxylic acids:
b. Structural formula of a carboxylic acid showing a carbon chain with a carboxyl group (COOH) at the end.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the functional group in the given compound. Carboxylic acids are characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH). Locate this group in the structure provided in the image.
Step 2: Determine the longest continuous carbon chain that includes the carboxyl group. This chain will serve as the parent chain for naming the compound.
Step 3: Number the carbon atoms in the parent chain, starting from the carbon in the carboxyl group as position 1. This ensures the carboxyl group gets the lowest possible number.
Step 4: Identify and name any substituents or branches attached to the parent chain. Use prefixes (e.g., methyl-, ethyl-) to describe these substituents and specify their positions based on the numbering of the parent chain.
Step 5: Combine the elements of the name: Start with the substituents (if any), followed by the parent chain name with the suffix '-oic acid' to indicate the carboxylic acid functional group. If the compound has a common name, refer to standard naming conventions to provide it.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more carboxyl groups (-COOH). They are known for their acidic properties due to the ability of the carboxyl group to donate a proton (H+). Common examples include acetic acid and citric acid, which are widely used in food and industry.
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IUPAC Nomenclature

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature provides a systematic method for naming chemical compounds. For carboxylic acids, the IUPAC name is derived from the longest carbon chain containing the carboxyl group, with the suffix '-oic acid' added. This standardized naming helps avoid confusion and ensures clarity in chemical communication.
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Common Names

Common names are traditional names used for chemical compounds that may not follow systematic naming conventions. For carboxylic acids, these names often reflect historical or practical uses, such as 'acetic acid' for ethanoic acid. Understanding both common and IUPAC names is essential for effective communication in chemistry.