Step 1: Identify the molecular formula CH3COOH. This formula represents a compound with carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).
Step 2: Break down the formula. CH3 is a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogens), and COOH is a carboxylic acid group (one carbon, two oxygens, and one hydrogen).
Step 3: Recognize that the presence of the COOH group indicates that this compound is an acid.
Step 4: Count the total number of carbon atoms in the compound. There are two carbon atoms (one from CH3 and one from COOH).
Step 5: Use the IUPAC naming rules. For a two-carbon acid, the name starts with 'ethan' (from 'ethane' which has two carbons).
Step 6: Add the suffix '-oic acid' to indicate that it is a carboxylic acid.
Step 7: Combine the parts to form the name: Ethanoic acid.
