Which of the following names is most appropriate for the molecule \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{2} \mathrm{COOH} ?\) (a) dimethyleneacetic acid; (b) propanoic acid; (c) butanoic acid; (d) oxobutylalcohol.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The most appropriate name for the molecule \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{2} \mathrm{COOH}\) is butanoic acid.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the functional group

The molecule \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{2} \mathrm{COOH}\) contains a carboxylic acid group (\(\mathrm{COOH}\)). Therefore, it belongs to the carboxylic acid class of organic compounds.
02

Number of carbon atoms

Next, determine the total number of carbon atoms in the longest carbon chain. The molecule \(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{2} \mathrm{COOH}\) has four carbon atoms in its longest chain, including the carboxylic acid carbon.
03

Determine the appropriate IUPAC name

Based on IUPAC nomenclature, carboxylic acids are named as 'alkanoic acids'. The prefix 'alkan-' refers to the number of carbon atoms in the longest chain. For four carbons, the prefix 'butan-' is used. Thus, the molecule is named 'butanoic acid'.

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