Question

What is the common name of \(CH_3COOH\)? 

• A. Acetic acid
• B. Formic acid
• C. Oxalic acid
• D. Citric acid Correct Answer: (A) Acetic acid Solution:

Hint:

Important common names: \[ HCOOH \rightarrow \text{Formic Acid} \] \[ CH_3COOH \rightarrow \text{Acetic Acid} \] These are frequently asked in chemistry examinations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Organic compounds often have both an IUPAC name and a common name. The compound \[ CH_3COOH \] belongs to the carboxylic acid family because it contains the functional group \[ -COOH \] The IUPAC name of \(CH_3COOH\) is

ethanoic acid, while its common name is

acetic acid.

Step 1: Identify the functional group. The structure is \[ CH_3 - COOH \] which contains the carboxyl group \((-COOH)\). Therefore, it is a carboxylic acid.

Step 2: Determine the carbon chain length. The molecule contains two carbon atoms. Hence, according to IUPAC nomenclature, the name is Ethanoic Acid

Step 3: Recall the common name. Ethanoic acid is commonly known as \[ \boxed{\text{Acetic Acid}} \] It is the principal acidic component of vinegar. Therefore, the correct option is \(\boxed{(A)}\).