Which of these compounds is propanoic acid?

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Multiple Choice

Which of these compounds is propanoic acid?

Propanoic acid is a carboxylic acid with three carbon atoms in the main chain, written as CH3-CH2-COOH (formula C3H6O2). The name “propanoic” reflects three carbons in the chain plus the carboxyl group (-COOH). The other options differ in their carbon skeletons: formic acid has only one carbon, ethanoic acid has two carbons, and benzoic acid features a benzene ring with a carboxyl group. Therefore, the compound with three carbons in the chain and a COOH group is propanoic acid.

Propanoic acid is a carboxylic acid with three carbon atoms in the main chain, written as CH3-CH2-COOH (formula C3H6O2). The name “propanoic” reflects three carbons in the chain plus the carboxyl group (-COOH). The other options differ in their carbon skeletons: formic acid has only one carbon, ethanoic acid has two carbons, and benzoic acid features a benzene ring with a carboxyl group. Therefore, the compound with three carbons in the chain and a COOH group is propanoic acid.

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