Question

Two organic compounds X and Y react in the presence of conc. H₂SO₄ to produce a fruity smelling compound. X has the functional group −OH. What is the functional group of Y?

Answer 1

The functional group of Y is the carboxyl group, −COOH (Y is a carboxylic acid).

X contains the −OH group, so it is an alcohol. An alcohol reacts with a carboxylic acid in the presence of concentrated H₂SO₄ to form a fruity-smelling ester.

Hence, Y contains the −COOH group.