What is the molecular formula of pentanoic acid?
(A) C₅H₄O
(B) C₅H₈O
(C) C₅H₁₀O₂
(D) C₅H₁₁O₂ - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 3
What is the molecular formula of pentanoic acid?
(A) C₅H₄O
(B) C₅H₈O
(C) C₅H₁₀O₂
(D) C₅H₁₁O₂
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is the molecular formula of pentanoic acid?
(A) C₅H₄O
(B) C₅H₈O
(C) C₅H₁₀O₂
(D) C₅H₁₁O₂ - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the molecular formula of pentanoic acid
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Answer
Pentanoic acid, also known as valeric acid, has a structure consisting of a five-carbon chain (pent-) and a carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional group. The general molecular formula for carboxylic acids is CₙH₂ₙO₂, where n is the number of carbon atoms. For pentanoic acid, with n equal to 5, the molecular formula is:
C5H10O2
Step 2
Select the correct option
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Answer
Based on the calculation above, the correct molecular formula for pentanoic acid is C₅H₁₀O₂, which corresponds to option (C).
