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Multiple Choice
Which one of the following compounds is an alcohol?
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the functional groups present in each compound by analyzing their molecular formulas and common organic chemistry notation.
Recall that an alcohol is characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a saturated carbon atom.
Examine each compound: for example, CH3NH2 contains an amine group (-NH2), C2H5OH contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), C2H4 is an alkene with a double bond, and CH3COOH is a carboxylic acid with a -COOH group.
Compare the functional groups to the definition of an alcohol and determine which compound contains the -OH group bonded to a carbon atom without additional acidic or amine groups.
Conclude that the compound with the formula C2H5OH is the alcohol because it contains the hydroxyl (-OH) group characteristic of alcohols.