Propanone, also known as acetone, is a simple ketone with the chemical formula \( C_3H_6O \). The functional group present in propanone is the carbonyl group, denoted as \( >C = O \), where a carbon atom is double-bonded to an oxygen atom. This is characteristic of ketones.
Step 1: Hydroxyl group (-OH).
The hydroxyl group is characteristic of alcohols, not ketones. So, option (A) is incorrect.
Step 2: Carboxyl group (-COOH).
The carboxyl group is characteristic of carboxylic acids, such as acetic acid, and not ketones like propanone. Therefore, option (B) is incorrect.
Step 3: Carbonyl group (>C = O).
The carbonyl group \(>C = O \) is the functional group present in ketones. Since propanone is a ketone, this is the correct functional group, making option (C) the correct answer.
Step 4: Aldehyde group (-CHO).
The aldehyde group \( -CHO \) is characteristic of aldehydes, not ketones. Therefore, option (D) is incorrect.
Step 5: Conclusion.
The functional group in propanone is the carbonyl group \( >C = O \). The correct answer is (C).