What functional group is present in the following compound: $CH{3}_{}-CO-CH{3}_{}$?

• A. Ketone
• B. Carboxylic acid
• C. Alcohol
• D. Aldehyde

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of the compound given: CH\_3-CO-CH\_3. This represents a carbon chain with a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two other carbon atoms.
2. Recall the definitions of the functional groups: a ketone has a carbonyl group bonded to two carbon atoms; an aldehyde has a carbonyl group bonded to at least one hydrogen; a carboxylic acid contains a carbonyl group bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH); an alcohol contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) without a carbonyl.
3. Analyze the position of the carbonyl group in the compound. Since the carbonyl carbon is bonded to two methyl groups (CH\_3), it fits the definition of a ketone.
4. Confirm that there is no hydroxyl group (-OH) attached, so it cannot be an alcohol or carboxylic acid, and there is no hydrogen directly bonded to the carbonyl carbon, so it is not an aldehyde.
5. Conclude that the functional group present in CH\_3-CO-CH\_3 is a ketone.