Which functional group characterizes carboxylic acids?

Which functional group characterizes carboxylic acids?

• A. -NH2
• B. -OH
• C. -COOH
• D. -CHO

Answer: (C)

Carboxylic acids are characterized by the presence of the carboxyl functional group, which is denoted by the formula -COOH. This group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (carbonyl) and also bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). The presence of both these features defines a compound as a carboxylic acid. The -COOH group is responsible for the typical acidic properties of carboxylic acids, as it can donate a proton (H+) in an aqueous solution, leading to the establishment of equilibrium with its conjugate base. This acidic behavior is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes carboxylic acids from other organic compounds. Other functional groups listed, such as -NH2 (amine), -OH (alcohol), and -CHO (aldehyde), define different classes of organic compounds and do not confer the specific acidic nature associated with carboxylic acids. Hence, the correct identification of -COOH as the defining functional group for carboxylic acids is crucial in organic chemistry nomenclature and classification.

Carboxylic acids are characterized by the presence of the carboxyl functional group, which is denoted by the formula -COOH. This group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (carbonyl) and also bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). The presence of both these features defines a compound as a carboxylic acid.

The -COOH group is responsible for the typical acidic properties of carboxylic acids, as it can donate a proton (H+) in an aqueous solution, leading to the establishment of equilibrium with its conjugate base. This acidic behavior is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes carboxylic acids from other organic compounds.

Other functional groups listed, such as -NH2 (amine), -OH (alcohol), and -CHO (aldehyde), define different classes of organic compounds and do not confer the specific acidic nature associated with carboxylic acids. Hence, the correct identification of -COOH as the defining functional group for carboxylic acids is crucial in organic chemistry nomenclature and classification.