Acetic acid fits the general formula C₂(H₂O)₂ but is not a carbohydrate because carbohydrates are defined as optically active polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones, and acetic acid lacks these specific functional groups.
Why might a compound like acetic acid (CH₃COOH) fit the general formula for carbohydrates but is not classified as one?
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While acetic acid (CH₃COOH) has the same general empirical formula as carbohydrates, (CH₂O)n, it is not classified as a carbohydrate due to its distinct chemical structure and role. Carbohydrates typically consist of sugar units and serve as energy sources. Acetic acid, however, is a carboxylic acid and is involved in metabolic processes but is not a primary energy source like carbohydrates. The functional group and chemical properties of acetic acid differentiate it from carbohydrates, demonstrating that classification is not solely based on empirical formulas but also on the compound’s structure, function, and role in biological processes.