The compound `CH_(3)CHO` is ________.

Options

A. acetaldehyde
B. acetic acid
C. acetal
D. acetone

Answer

To determine the name of the compound CH₃CHO, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Analyze the Molecular Formula
The molecular formula CH₃CHO indicates that the compound contains:
- 2 carbon atoms (C)
- 4 hydrogen atoms (H)
- 1 oxygen atom (O)

### Step 2: Identify the Functional Group
The presence of the carbonyl group (C=O) in the structure CH₃CHO indicates that this compound is an aldehyde. Aldehydes are characterized by the functional group -CHO, where the carbonyl carbon is attached to at least one hydrogen atom.

### Step 3: Determine the Name of the Compound
The compound CH₃CHO can be named based on the number of carbon atoms and the functional group:
- Since there are 2 carbon atoms, it is a two-carbon aldehyde.
- The common name for this compound is "acetaldehyde."

### Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, the compound CH₃CHO is acetaldehyde.

### Final Answer
The compound CH₃CHO is **acetaldehyde**.

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