Draw structures for molecules that fit the following descriptions: (c) C 3 H 6 O 2 containing a carboxylic acid functional group

Hi, everyone. Our next problem says, propose a structure for a compound that has a chemical formula of C two H 402 and a carboxylic acid. We have four possible structures labeled A through D. So let's look through these and see which one could possibly be our structure. Now, we could start with our formula and our knowledge of our functional group and figure out what the possible structures are. But it's a little better on a multiple choice question to look at our choices and see if we can eliminate possibilities. First makes it a little quicker. So first, let's think about the structure of this functional group. And carboxylic acid, we have a carbon double bonded to an oxygen and then also single bonded to an alcohol group. So it's something's written coo H So first, let's make sure that our answer choices have this functional group, we can eliminate any that do not. So in choice, a our functional group is not a carboxylic acid because the, instead of it being a single bond to an oh group, we have another chain coming off the O. So our functional group instead here is our coo R instead of coo H. So this group is an ester, not a carboxylic acid. When we look at our other answer, choices, we see that choice D also has an ester instead of a carboxylic acid. So A and D have the wrong functional group. And then when we look at choice B, we see that we have an aldehyde rather than a carboxylic acid because our carbon has a bond to a hydrogen rather than an a, an alcohol group. Choice B also incorrect. So there we go, we don't even have to look at what the structure is because we've eliminated three out of four choices by elimination. Our answer choice must be choice C. And if we want to double check, we see we do have our carboxylic acid properly. Now, if we look at our formula here, we have C two H 402. Well, our carboxylic acid we know has one carbon, two oxygens and a hydrogen. So if I subtract co2 H I have left over one carbon and three hydrogens, I have essentially a methyl group which we see I have on my structure C attached to the carboxylic acid. So choice C is indeed our only possible structure for a chemical formula of C two H 402 containing the carboxylic acid. See you in the next video.

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1. Matter and Measurements4h 29m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
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5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
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13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
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16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
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12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Functional Groups in Chemistry

GOB Chemistry

12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Functional Groups in Chemistry

Problem 12.2cMcMurry - 8th Edition

Textbook Question

Draw structures for molecules that fit the following descriptions:
(c) C₃H₆O₂ containing a carboxylic acid functional group

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the functional group for a carboxylic acid, which is

- C O O H

Recognize that the molecular formula C_3H_6O_2 suggests a carboxylic acid with three carbon atoms.

Start by drawing the carboxylic acid group:

-COOH

Attach the remaining carbon atoms to the carboxylic acid group to form a three-carbon chain. This will be a propanoic acid structure.

Ensure that the total number of hydrogen atoms adds up to six, completing the structure of propanoic acid.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Carboxylic Acid

A carboxylic acid is an organic compound that contains a carboxyl group (-COOH). This functional group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). Carboxylic acids are known for their acidic properties and are commonly found in various biological and chemical processes.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound provides the number and type of atoms present in a molecule. For C3H6O2, it indicates that the molecule contains three carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. Understanding the molecular formula is essential for determining the structure and properties of the compound.

Structural Representation

Structural representation refers to the way in which the arrangement of atoms in a molecule is depicted. This can include Lewis structures, condensed formulas, or skeletal formulas. Accurately drawing the structure of C3H6O2 with a carboxylic acid functional group involves placing the carboxyl group appropriately within the molecular framework to reflect its chemical behavior.

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