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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
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:
Step 2