Name the functional group present in `C_2H_5COOH`

Explanation

To determine the functional group present in the compound \( C_2H_5COOH \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Structure
The compound \( C_2H_5COOH \) can be broken down into two parts:
- \( C_2H_5 \) represents an ethyl group.
- \( COOH \) represents a carboxylic acid functional group.

### Step 2: Recognize the Carboxylic Acid Group
The \( COOH \) part is a characteristic functional group known as the carboxylic acid group. It consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and also bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH).

### Step 3: Name the Compound
The full name of the compound \( C_2H_5COOH \) is propionic acid, which is a type of carboxylic acid. Carboxylic acids are known for their acidic properties and are commonly found in various natural substances.

### Conclusion
The functional group present in \( C_2H_5COOH \) is the carboxylic acid group, represented by \( -COOH \).

### Final Answer
The functional group present in \( C_2H_5COOH \) is a **carboxylic acid**.

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