Question

What systematic ending is used to show that a molecule is a carboxylic acid? Give an example.

Short answer

The systematic ending to show that a molecule is a carboxylic acid is "-oic acid." For example, ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) is a carboxylic acid derived from the parent alkane, ethane, by replacing the "-e" with "-oic acid."

Step-by-step solution

Identify the functional group of carboxylic acids

Carboxylic acids are a class of organic compounds that contain a carboxyl functional group. The carboxyl functional group consists of a carbon atom that is doubly bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O) and singly bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH). This functional group can be represented as -COOH.

Recognize the systematic ending for carboxylic acids

In the IUPAC nomenclature system, to name a carboxylic acid, replace the "-e" ending of the corresponding alkane name with "-oic acid." This ending is systematic and used to indicate that a molecule is a carboxylic acid.

Provide an example of a carboxylic acid molecule

An example of a carboxylic acid is ethanoic acid, also known as acetic acid. Its structural formula is: CH3COOH. In this example, the "-oic acid" ending is derived from the parent alkane, "ethane," with the "-e" replaced by "-oic acid."