Name this molecule: CH3COOH

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Multiple Choice

Name this molecule: CH3COOH

Explanation:
In naming carboxylic acids, the number of carbons in the main chain determines the base name, with the suffix -anoic acid for the carboxyl group. This molecule has two carbon atoms in the main chain (the carboxyl carbon plus one more carbon), so its name is ethanoic acid. It’s also commonly called acetic acid, familiar from vinegar. The other options would correspond to different chain lengths: one carbon would be methanoic (formic) acid, three would be propanoic acid, and four would be butanoic acid, none of which match this two-carbon structure.

In naming carboxylic acids, the number of carbons in the main chain determines the base name, with the suffix -anoic acid for the carboxyl group. This molecule has two carbon atoms in the main chain (the carboxyl carbon plus one more carbon), so its name is ethanoic acid. It’s also commonly called acetic acid, familiar from vinegar. The other options would correspond to different chain lengths: one carbon would be methanoic (formic) acid, three would be propanoic acid, and four would be butanoic acid, none of which match this two-carbon structure.

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