Final answer:
The functional group that causes bubbling when treated with NaHCO3 is the carboxyl group. This reaction is characteristic of carboxylic acids that form gas, water, and a salt when reacting with sodium bicarbonate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functional group present in an organic compound which gives bubbles on treatment with a saturated solution of NaHCO3 is the carboxyl group. This group contains both a carbonyl (C=O) group and a hydroxyl (-OH) group bonded to the same carbon atom, forming the functional group -COOH. When carboxylic acids react with NaHCO3, they undergo a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas (CO2), which is observed as bubbles.
For example, acetic acid (CH3COOH), a common carboxylic acid, reacts with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) to produce carbon dioxide, water, and sodium acetate (CH3COONa):
CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O