Which functional group is most characteristic of soaps in organic chemistry?

• A. $\mathrm{Aldehyde}$
• B. $\mathrm{Ketone}$
• C. $\mathrm{Carboxylate}$
• D. $\mathrm{Amine}$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that soaps are typically salts derived from fatty acids, which are long-chain carboxylic acids.
2. Recall that the functional group characteristic of fatty acids is the carboxyl group, written as \(\mathrm{-COOH}\).
3. When fatty acids react with a base (like NaOH), they form carboxylate salts, which have the functional group \(\mathrm{-COO^{-}}\).
4. Recognize that this carboxylate group is the key functional group in soaps, giving them their ability to emulsify oils and fats.
5. Compare the other options: aldehydes (\(\mathrm{-CHO}\)), ketones (\(\mathrm{RCOR'}\)), and amines (\(\mathrm{-NH_2}\)) are not characteristic of soaps, confirming that carboxylate is the correct functional group.