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Multiple Choice
What is the correct IUPAC name for the carboxylic acid with the molecular formula C₃H₇CO₂H?
A
Butanoic acid
B
Pentanoic acid
C
Hexanoic acid
D
Propanoic acid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the longest carbon chain in the molecule. The molecular formula C₃H₇CO₂H indicates a total of 4 carbon atoms, including the carboxylic acid group (CO₂H).
Recognize that the carboxylic acid group (CO₂H) is always located at the end of the carbon chain, making it the functional group that defines the molecule.
Determine the root name based on the number of carbon atoms in the longest chain. For 4 carbon atoms, the root name is 'butane'.
Replace the '-e' ending of the alkane name with '-oic acid' to indicate the presence of the carboxylic acid group. Therefore, 'butane' becomes 'butanoic acid'.
Verify that the IUPAC name 'butanoic acid' correctly reflects the structure of the molecule, with the carboxylic acid group attached to a 4-carbon chain.