Question
Chemistry Question on Chemical Reactions
The distinguishing test between methanoic acid and ethanoic acid is
A
Litmus test
B
Tollen's test
C
Esterification test
D
Sodium bicarbonate test
Answer
Tollen's test
Explanation
Solution
Methanoic acid is unique amongst simple carboxylic acids, since it contains a hydrogen atom instead of an alkyl group (HCOOH). i.e. it contains both an aldeny die group and a carboxyl group.
So, like aldehyde, methanoic acid reduces Tollen's reagent to shining silver mirror but ethanoic acid does not give this test