Question

Structure of ethanoic acid is:
A) $C{H_3} - C{H_2} - C{H_3}$
B) $C{H_3} - \mathop C\limits_{\mathop \parallel \limits_O } - OH$
C) $C{H_3} - O - {C_3}{H_7}$
D) $C{H_3} - \mathop C\limits_{\mathop \parallel \limits_O } - C{H_3}$
E) $C{H_3} - C{H_2} - N{H_2}$

Answer 1

Ethanoic acid is a member of the carboxylic family. There are two total carbon atoms in the structure of ethanoic acid. A carboxylic acid is an organic acid that contains a carboxyl group $( - COOH)$ . The general formula of a carboxylic acid is $RCOOH$ , where $R$ is the alkyl group.

Complete step by step answer
A carboxylic acid is an organic acid that has a carboxyl group that is $COOH$ attached to an alkyl group. The general formula of a carboxylic acid is $R - COOH$ , where $R$ the alkyl group. Carboxylic acids occur widely. Important examples of carboxylic acids are the amino acids and fatty acids. Deprotonation of a carboxylic acid yields a carboxylate anion.
Now, in the option A that is $C{H_3} - C{H_2} - C{H_3}$ ,
This is simply a propane that is a saturated hydrocarbon without any substitute group. This is the structure of propane. So this is not the correct option.
Now, in the option B that is $C{H_3} - \mathop C\limits_{\mathop \parallel \limits_O } - OH$ ,
Here, an ethyl group is attached to a carboxyl group that is $- COOH$ . And it is same as the general formula of carboxylic acids that is an ethyl is attached to a carboxyl group $C{H_3} - \mathop C\limits_{\mathop \parallel \limits_O } - OH$ . so this is the structure of ethanoic acid.
Hence, option B is correct.

Note
Carboxylic acids are used in the preparation of polymers and pharmaceuticals. This is also used in the preparation of solvents, and food additives. There are some carboxylic acids which are very important in industries such as acetic acid ( it is a component of vinegar and also a precursor to solvents and coatings), acrylic and methacrylic acids (they are precursors to polymers, adhesives), adipic acid (polymers), citric acid (it is used as a flavor and preservative in food and beverages), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (it is a chelating agent), fatty acids (coatings), maleic acid (polymers), propionic acid (food preservative), terephthalic acid (polymers). Important carboxylate salts are soaps.