Question

Identify the functional group.

${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$

Answer 1

Definition of functional group

A functional group is a collection of atoms within molecules that bind together to react in probable ways. Examples of functional groups include the group hydroxyl, ketone, amine, and ether.

Definition of Carboxylic acid group

• Carboxylic group consists of a double-bonded carbon atom linked to an oxygen group and a hydroxyl group through a single bond.
• Their significant characteristics are their acidity.
• The general formula of a carboxylic acid is $\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{COOH}$ , with R referring to the alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or other groups.

For example,

Name	Formula
Methanoic Acid	$\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{COOH}$
Ethanoic Acid	${\mathrm{CH}}_3-\mathrm{COOH}$

$\therefore {\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$ is ethanoic acid and the second member of the carboxylic acid family.