Which class of organic compounds contains the carboxyl functional group?

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Multiple Choice

Which class of organic compounds contains the carboxyl functional group?

The carboxyl group is a carbonyl carbon double-bonded to oxygen and also bonded to a hydroxyl group: -COOH. This arrangement is the defining feature of carboxylic acids, so that class contains the carboxyl functional group. Alcohols have only a hydroxyl (-OH) attached to carbon, not a carbonyl. Ethers have an oxygen bridging two carbon atoms (-O-), with no carbonyl. Esters have a carbonyl attached to an alkoxy group (-COO-R); the -OH of the carboxyl is replaced by -O-R, so they do not contain the free -COOH group. Thus, carboxylic acids are the class that includes the carboxyl functional group.

The carboxyl group is a carbonyl carbon double-bonded to oxygen and also bonded to a hydroxyl group: -COOH. This arrangement is the defining feature of carboxylic acids, so that class contains the carboxyl functional group.

Alcohols have only a hydroxyl (-OH) attached to carbon, not a carbonyl. Ethers have an oxygen bridging two carbon atoms (-O-), with no carbonyl. Esters have a carbonyl attached to an alkoxy group (-COO-R); the -OH of the carboxyl is replaced by -O-R, so they do not contain the free -COOH group.

Thus, carboxylic acids are the class that includes the carboxyl functional group.

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