Textbook Question
a. What functional group characterizes an alcohol?
3. Chemical Reactions
Functional Groups in Chemistry
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The following molecule contains which functional group?
CH3– CH2– CH2– CH2– CH–COOH
A
alcohol
B
ether
C
ketone
D
carboxylic acid
E
ester
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the structure of the molecule given: CH₃–CH₂–CH₂–CH₂–CH–COOH.
Recognize the functional group COOH at the end of the molecule. This is a key indicator of a specific type of functional group.
Understand that the COOH group is known as a carboxylic acid functional group. It consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH).
Compare the COOH group with the options provided: alcohol, ether, ketone, ester, and carboxylic acid. Note that none of the other options match the COOH structure.
Conclude that the functional group present in the molecule is a carboxylic acid, as indicated by the COOH group.
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