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Multiple Choice
Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of carboxylic acids?
A
Carboxyl group
B
Amino group
C
Carbonyl group
D
Hydroxyl group
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the functional groups listed in the options: Carboxyl group, Amino group, Carbonyl group, and Hydroxyl group.
Understand the structure of a carboxylic acid, which is typically represented as R-COOH, where R is a hydrocarbon chain.
Recognize that the carboxyl group (COOH) is a combination of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (OH).
Analyze the acidic properties of carboxylic acids, which are due to the ability of the carboxyl group to donate a proton (H⁺) from the hydroxyl part, forming a carboxylate ion (R-COO⁻).
Conclude that the carboxyl group is responsible for the acidic properties of carboxylic acids, as it can release a proton, making the solution acidic.