Which Functional Groups Are Present in This Compound?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying functional groups in a specific compound, with participants identifying four groups: carboxylic acid, ketone, alcohol, and ether. A key point of confusion arises around the classification of phenol, which is defined as a benzene ring with an -OH group. The consensus is that while phenol is a compound, any -OH group attached to a benzene ring is considered phenolic, which has distinct properties compared to standard alcohols.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of organic chemistry functional groups
  • Familiarity with the structure of benzene and its derivatives
  • Knowledge of the properties of alcohols and phenolic compounds
  • Ability to differentiate between compounds and functional groups
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of phenolic compounds
  • Study the differences between functional groups and compounds in organic chemistry
  • Explore the classification of functional groups in organic molecules
  • Learn about the reactivity of carboxylic acids, ketones, and ethers
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, and anyone studying functional groups and their properties in organic compounds.

TT0
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Homework Statement


Screen Shot 2016-07-02 at 12.14.04 PM.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I counted 4 functional groups. I got:
-Carboxylic acid
-Ketone
-Alcohol
-Ether
However, this combination is not available. I was wondering if phenol is a functional group as C seems the most likely option. I thought phenyl is a functional group and phenol isn't.

Thanks!
 
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What is phenol?
 
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Phenol is a benzene with a alcohol functional group attached to it, right? The compound above has the structure of phenol plus more. I am not too sure if you would still call it a phenol as it has more than what I know as phenol. I think phenol is a compound and not a functional group but they included it as an option so I am a bit confused.

Thanks!
 
Any -OH group attached to the benzene ring is considered "phenolic" (and has rather specific properties, different from an alcohol).
 
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I see, so would you say C is the answer despite not having ether as one of the functional groups listed?
 
It is not about "which list is complete" but "which list contains only correct answers".
 
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I see, thanks!
 

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