Final answer:
The IR spectrum with a strong peak at 1700-1725 cm^-1 and broad peaks at 2500-3300 cm^-1 corresponds to a compound containing both a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group, suggesting a carboxylic acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
In infrared (IR) spectroscopy, different functional groups show distinct absorption peaks. A strong peak at 1700-1725 cm-1 indicates the presence of a carbonyl group, which is found in carboxylic acids, esters, ketones, and aldehydes. Broad peaks at 2500-3300 cm-1 typically represent the O-H bond stretching in hydroxyl groups as seen in alcohols and carboxylic acids. Considering these absorption characteristics, we can predict that the functional group corresponding to the described IR spectrum peaks are indicative of a compound that contains both a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group, which suggests that the compound could be a carboxylic acid.