Question
Chemistry Question on Chemical Reactions
The main difference between formic acid and acetic acid is that formic acid is
A
less acidic
B
dehydrating agent
C
reducing agent
D
bleaching agent
Answer
reducing agent
Explanation
Solution
Formic acid (HCOOH) due to the presence of aldehyde group along with carboxylic acid group, reduces, Tollen's reagent, Fehling solution etc. Hence, it is reducing in nature but acetic acid due to the absence of aldehyde group does not show reducing properties. Further, formic acid is more acidic than acetic acid.