WAEC Chemistry 2016 Paper

Concept:The molecular formula $\mathrm{CH_2O_2}$ represents a saturated monocarboxylic acid, specifically methanoic acid.Explanation:The formula $\mathrm{CH_2O_2}$ can be written as $\mathrm{HCOOH}$.It contains the carboxyl functional group, $-\mathrm{COOH}$.Any compound with the $-\mathrm{COOH}$ group belongs to the carboxylic acid family.Methanoic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid and fits the molecular formula $\mathrm{CH_2O_2}$ exactly.Therefore, the compound is not a carbohydrate, alkanol, or ester.Answer:B. A Carboxylic acid