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Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures is a correct representation of an alcohol?
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the functional group characteristic of an alcohol: an alcohol contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a saturated carbon atom (represented as R-OH, where R is an alkyl group).
Examine each given structure and identify the functional groups: the first structure R-O-R represents an ether (oxygen bonded to two alkyl groups), the second R-CO2H represents a carboxylic acid (carbon double bonded to oxygen and bonded to OH), and the third R-NH2 represents an amine (nitrogen bonded to alkyl and hydrogens).
Recognize that the correct alcohol structure must have the oxygen bonded to one alkyl group and one hydrogen atom, which is shown as R-OH.
Confirm that the structure R-OH matches the definition of an alcohol, as it contains the hydroxyl group directly attached to the alkyl group.
Conclude that among the options, only the structure R-OH correctly represents an alcohol.