Question

Formic acid and acetic acid can be distinguished by:

• A. ethyl alcohol
• B. $PC{{l}_{5}}$
• C. Tollens reagent
• D. none of these

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Tollens reagent

Answer 2

Formic acid has an aldehydic group in it.
Hence, it reduces Tollens reagent. Acetic acid does not give this test. $HCOOH+A{{g}_{2}}O\xrightarrow{{}}C{{O}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O+2Ag\downarrow$