Question

Give the structural formula of the functional groups in (a) Acetic acid, and (b) Ethyl alcohol.

Answer 1

(a): Acetic acid

1. A functional group is defined as the group of the atom which gives some characteristics properties to a compound.
2. The molecular formula of Acetic acid is ${\mathbf{CH}}_{\mathbf{3}}\mathbf{COOH}$.
3. In Acetic acid, carboxyl group $(-\mathrm{COOH})$ is the functional group.
4. The structural formula of the function group is shown below.

(b): Ethyl alcohol

1. The molecular formula of Ethyl alcohol is ${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{5}}\mathbf{OH}$.
2. In Ethyl alcohol, a hydroxyl group $\left(-\mathrm{OH}\right)$ is a functional group.
3. The structural formula of the function group is shown below.