What is the IUPAC name for a molecule with two carboxylic acids?

The correct answer is the term "dicarboxylic acid," which accurately describes a molecule containing two carboxylic acid functional groups. In IUPAC nomenclature, the prefix 'di-' indicates the presence of two identical functional groups. Carboxylic acids are characterized by the presence of the -COOH group, and when a compound has two such groups, it is specifically categorized as a dicarboxylic acid.

This naming convention is essential in organic chemistry, as it conveys crucial information about the functional groups present in the molecule, which in turn influences its reactivity and physical properties. Dicarboxylic acids can include well-known compounds such as oxalic acid and succinic acid, which are used in various chemical reactions and applications.

In contrast, monocarboxylic acid refers to molecules with only one carboxylic acid group, while diacid is a less specific term that may not strictly adhere to IUPAC conventions. Carbocyclic acid indicates molecular structures containing a carboxylic group within a cyclic carbon structure, which does not accurately reflect the presence of two carboxylic acid groups. Hence, "dicarboxylic acid" is the most precise and appropriate term for describing