Question

The general molecular formula of saturated monocarboxylic acids is

• A. \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+2}\text{O}_2 \)
• B. \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n} \text{O} \)
• C. \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{O}_2 \)
• D. \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{O}_2 \)

Hint:

Monocarboxylic acids contain a single carboxyl group (-COOH) and follow the molecular formula \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{O}_2 \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the molecular formula.
The general formula for saturated monocarboxylic acids is \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{O}_2 \), where \( n \) represents the number of carbon atoms. This formula represents a chain of carbon atoms with a single carboxyl group (-COOH) attached. Step 2: Analysis of options.
(A) \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+2}\text{O}_2 \): This is the formula for saturated alkanes, not carboxylic acids.
(B) \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n} \text{O} \): This is the formula for alcohols, not carboxylic acids.
(C) \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{O}_2 \): Correct — This is the correct formula for saturated monocarboxylic acids, where the carboxyl group (-COOH) is attached to a carbon chain.
(D) \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{O}_2 \): This is similar to option (C) and also represents a general formula for carboxylic acids.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) because the general molecular formula for saturated monocarboxylic acids is \( \text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{O}_2 \).