Frequently Asked Question

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a carbon chain. Here's a breakdown of naming them with advanced examples:
1. Simple Carboxylic Acids:
- Methanoic Acid (Formic Acid): The simplest, with one carbon atom (HCOOH).
- Ethanoic Acid (Acetic Acid): Two carbon atoms (CH3COOH).
- Propanoic Acid: Three carbon atoms (CH3CH2COOH).
- Butanoic Acid: Four carbon atoms (CH3CH2CH2COOH).
2. Branched Carboxylic Acids:
- 2-Methylpropanoic Acid: A four-carbon chain with a methyl group on the second carbon (CH3CH(CH3)COOH).
- 3-Ethylpentanoic Acid: A five-carbon chain with an ethyl group on the third carbon (CH3CH2CH(CH2CH3)COOH).
3. Carboxylic Acids with Functional Groups:
- 3-Hydroxybutanoic Acid: A four-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group on the third carbon (CH3CH(OH)CH2COOH).
- 2-Chloropentanoic Acid: A five-carbon chain with a chlorine atom on the second carbon (CH3CHClCH2CH2COOH).
4. Cyclic Carboxylic Acids:
- Cyclopentanecarboxylic Acid: A cyclopentane ring with a carboxyl group attached (C5H9COOH).
- Benzoic Acid: A benzene ring with a carboxyl group attached (C6H5COOH).
Key Points:
- Parent Chain: The longest carbon chain containing the carboxyl group.
- Numbering: Start at the carboxyl carbon and number the chain to give the lowest possible numbers to substituents.
- Prefixes: Use prefixes like 'methyl', 'ethyl', 'chloro', etc., to indicate substituents.
- Suffix: Use '-oic acid' for the carboxyl group.