Consider the organic molecule with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂COOH. This compound is commonly known as propanoic acid. Which of the following functional groups is present within this specific molecular structure?
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The answer
Correct answer: B. A carboxylic acid functional group is clearly identifiable in the structure.
Tested concept: Identifying functional groups
Explanation
The molecule CH₃CH₂COOH contains a carbonyl group (C=O) directly bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH), forming the -COOH moiety. This specific arrangement is characteristic of a carboxylic acid functional group. Aldehydes contain a carbonyl group bonded to at least one hydrogen atom (-CHO), ketones contain a carbonyl group bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups (R-CO-R'), and esters contain a carbonyl group bonded to an alkoxy group (R-COO-R'). Therefore, the correct identification is a carboxylic acid.
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