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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.