MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The principal functional group in the given compound is the carboxylic acid group (-COOH). Therefore, the parent chain is taken as benzoic acid. Numbering of the benzene ring starts from the carbon atom attached to the -COOH group as position 1. To give the lowest possible number to the substituent, the carbon attached to the methyl group (-CH_3) is numbered as 2. Thus, there is a methyl group at the 2-position of the benzoic acid ring. The IUPAC name of the compound is 2-Methylbenzoic acid. (Note: o-Toluic acid is its common name). Answer: 2-Methylbenzoic acid