Which type of organic molecules are relatively stable and unreactive due to the absence of highly reactive functional groups?

• A. $Carboxylic\; acids$
• B. $Aldehydes$
• C. $Alkenes$
• D. $Alkanes$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional groups present in each type of organic molecule: Carboxylic acids contain the -COOH group, aldehydes have the -CHO group, alkenes contain carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C), and alkanes consist only of single C-C and C-H bonds without reactive functional groups.
2. Understand that the reactivity of organic molecules is largely influenced by the presence of functional groups that can participate in chemical reactions, such as polar bonds or multiple bonds.
3. Recognize that carboxylic acids and aldehydes are generally reactive due to their polar carbonyl groups, which can undergo nucleophilic addition or substitution reactions.
4. Note that alkenes are reactive because the carbon-carbon double bond is a site for electrophilic addition reactions.
5. Conclude that alkanes, having only single bonds and lacking reactive functional groups, are relatively stable and unreactive compared to the other molecules listed.