Question

Formic acid and acetic acid are distinguished by
A.$NaHC{O_3}$
B.$FeC{l_3}$
C.Victor Mayer test
D.Tollen’s reagent.

Answer 1

A simple way to do this is that acetic acid has an odor that is like vinegar. Formic acid does not have an odor. This way you can differentiate between the two. If you want to differentiate between them through a reaction then you should use Tollene's reagent test.

Complete step by step answer:
-Formic acid, systematically also called methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid and its chemical formula is HCOOH. It is an important intermediate in chemical synthesis and occurs naturally, especially in some ants.
-Acetic acid ($C{H_3}COOH$), also known as ethanoic acid, is the most important of carboxylic acids. A dilute (about 5 percent by volume) solution of acetic acid produced by the fermentation and oxidation of natural carbohydrates is called vinegar; a salt, ester, or acylate of acetic acid is called acetate.
-Formic acid ($HCOOH$) differs from other carboxylic acids in both aldehyde ($- CHO$) and carboxylic acid groups ($- COOH$). So formic acid behaves as a "reducing agent" and ${H_2}C{O_3}$, unlike other carboxylic acids ($HO - COOH$) may undergo further oxidation.
-Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid in which a carboxylic acid group is attached to the hydrogen atom. In the acetic acid is the second simplest carboxylic acid in which has a methyl group attached to a carboxylic acid group.
-The molar mass of formic acid is $46.03g/mol$ and the molar mass of acetic acid is $60.05g/mol$.

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note:
Formic acid has an aldehyde ($- C - H$) group and it reduces the tollen’s reagent to the silver mirror like the other aldehydes. Formic in which carboxylic acid is attached to the hydrogen atom and acetic from the methyl group.