Step 1: Analyze the compound
The given compound is \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COOH} \). This is a carboxylic acid with a three-carbon chain.
- The functional group is \( \text{COOH} \), which is the carboxyl group.
- The parent chain contains 3 carbon atoms.
Step 2: Name the compound
The IUPAC name of a carboxylic acid is based on the number of carbon atoms in the longest chain containing the carboxyl group:
- A three-carbon chain is named "propane".
- Since the compound contains a carboxyl group, the suffix is "-oic acid".
Thus, the IUPAC name of the compound is "propanoic acid".
Answer: Therefore, the IUPAC name of the compound \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COOH} \) is propanoic acid. So, the correct answer is option (2).