Which of the following must be present in a carboxylic acid?
A) a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group bonded to different carbon atoms
B) a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group bonded to the same carbon atom
C) two hydroxyl groups bonded to the same carbon atom
D) two carbonyl groups bonded to the same carbon atom

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carboxylic acids have a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to the same carbon atom, known as the carboxyl group (-COOH). Option A has a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group, but they are bonded to different carbon atoms, making it an aldehyde or a ketone. Options C and D have multiple hydroxyl or carbonyl groups on the same carbon atom, which is not possible due to the valency of carbon.

Which of the Following Must Be Present in a Carboxylic