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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the functional group present in the molecule ?
A
Ketone
B
Alcohol
C
Carboxylic acid
D
Aldehyde
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular formula given: CH\_3-COOH.
Recognize that the -COOH group is a carboxyl group, which consists of a carbonyl (C=O) and a hydroxyl (OH) group attached to the same carbon atom.
Recall the definitions of the functional groups: a ketone has a carbonyl group bonded to two carbons, an alcohol has an -OH group bonded to a saturated carbon, an aldehyde has a carbonyl group bonded to at least one hydrogen, and a carboxylic acid contains the -COOH group.
Compare the structure CH\_3-COOH to these definitions and note that it contains the -COOH group, characteristic of carboxylic acids.
Conclude that the functional group present in CH\_3-COOH is best described as a carboxylic acid.