Which compound corresponds to the structural formula C6H5COOH?

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Multiple Choice

Which compound corresponds to the structural formula C6H5COOH?

Reading this condensed formula, start by spotting the aromatic ring and what is attached to it. The fragment C6H5 represents a benzene ring with one hydrogen replaced by a substituent. The COOH group is a carboxyl group, and when it’s attached directly to the ring, the whole molecule is benzoic acid. This is why the structure corresponds to benzoic acid: a benzene ring bearing a carboxyl group. This differs from other common possibilities in recognizable ways. A methyl group on the ring would give toluene (C6H5CH3). An aldehyde on the ring would be benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO). If there were an extra hydroxyl group on the ring in addition to the carboxyl, you’d have salicylic acid. The presence of the carboxyl group directly attached to the benzene ring is the defining feature of benzoic acid.

Reading this condensed formula, start by spotting the aromatic ring and what is attached to it. The fragment C6H5 represents a benzene ring with one hydrogen replaced by a substituent. The COOH group is a carboxyl group, and when it’s attached directly to the ring, the whole molecule is benzoic acid. This is why the structure corresponds to benzoic acid: a benzene ring bearing a carboxyl group.

This differs from other common possibilities in recognizable ways. A methyl group on the ring would give toluene (C6H5CH3). An aldehyde on the ring would be benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO). If there were an extra hydroxyl group on the ring in addition to the carboxyl, you’d have salicylic acid. The presence of the carboxyl group directly attached to the benzene ring is the defining feature of benzoic acid.

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