2024 O Level Chem P1 Q37 — Functional Groups / Carboxylic Acids Solution
Question
Statins are compounds used in some medicines. An example of a statin is shown. Which part of the structure shows the functional group found in carboxylic acids?
Correct answer: B
Video Solution
Explanation
Answer: B. The carboxylic acid functional group is \(-\text{COOH}\) (also written \(-\text{CO}_2\text{H}\)) — a carbon doubly bonded to an oxygen and singly bonded to a hydroxyl group.
Looking at the labelled positions on the statin structure, position B is the label on the \(-\text{CO}_2\text{H}\) group. The other labels point to different features of the molecule:
Position A is on a hydroxyl (\(-\text{OH}\)) group attached to the chain — an alcohol, not an acid. Position C is on the ester (\(-\text{CO}_2-\)) linkage. Position D points to a methyl/alkyl side group, which has no oxygen-containing functional group at all.
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