More types of organic compound

Carboxylic acids

Carboxylic acids contain the -COOH group, which is better written out in full
as:

Carboxylic acids are shown by the ending oic acid. When you count the
carbon chain, you have to remember to include the carbon in the -COOH
group. That carbon is always thought of as number 1 in the chain.

Example 1: Write the structural formula for 3-methylbutanoic acid.

This is a four carbon acid with no carbon-carbon double bonds. There is a

methyl group on the third carbon (counting the -COOH carbon as number
1).

Example 2: Write the structural formula for 2-hydroxypropanoic acid.

The hydroxy part of the name shows the presence of an -OH group.
Normally, you would show that by the ending ol, but this time you can't
because you've already got another ending. You are forced into this
alternative way of describing it.

The old name for 2-hydroxypropanoic acid is lactic acid. That name sounds
more friendly, but is utterly useless when it comes to writing a formula for it.
In the old days, you would have had to learn the formula rather than just
working it out should you need it.

Example 3: Write the structural formula for 2-chlorobut-3-enoic acid.

This time, not only is there a chlorine attached to the chain, but the chain
also contains a carbon-carbon double bond (en) starting on the number 3
carbon (counting the -COOH carbon as number 1).