Q. The property which distinguishes formic acid from acetic acid is
A) Only ammonium salt of formic acid on heating gives amide
B) When heated with alcohol /$H_{2}SO_{4}$ only acetic acid forms ester
C) Only acetic acid forms salts with alkali
D) Only formic acid reduces Fehling’s solution
Explanation
(d)
Formic acid $HCOOH$ also contain a $–CHO$ group, so gives some reducing properties of aldehydes
$HC = O\ \ \$ 3 aldehyde group
|
OH
Formic acid is a very strong reducing agent. It reduces Tollen’s reagent, Fehling’s solution and mercruric chloride.
Acetic acid does not give these reaction.
Formic acid distinguishes from acetic acid by Fehling’s solution. Formic acid gives red ppt of cuprous oxide with Fehling’s solution while acetic acid does not.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.