Question

When $HCOOH$ reacts with concentrated ${H_2}S{O_4}$, produces:

A) $CO$

B) $C{O_2}$

C) $NO$

D) $N{O_2}$

Answer 1

Sulphuric acid ${H_2}S{O_4}$ is both an oxidizing agent as well as a dehydrating agent. Sulphuric acid is also known as vitriol. It is soluble in water.

Complete Answer:

Concentrated sulphuric acid is both an oxidizing agent as well as dehydrating agent. Hence it removes a water molecule as a dehydrating agent and another water molecule by oxidizing hydrogen. Hence we get $CO$ .

Sulfuric acid reacts with formic acid to produce carbon monoxide and hydrate sulfuric acid.

$HCOOH + {H_2}S{O_4} \to CO + {H_2}S{O_4}.{H_2}O$

When $HCOOH$ (Formic acid) is reacted with concentrated ${H_2}S{O_4}$ (Sulphuric acid) then $CO$ (carbon monoxide) gas is evolved.

Reaction Involved:

$HCOOH + {H_2}S{O_4} \to CO + {H_2}S{O_4}.{H_2}O$

Correct option is option (A).

Additional Information:

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas which causes respiratory defects and exploration of these diseases can even cause death. So we should never smell the gas evolved during the reaction.

Note:

Always keep in mind that Concentrated Sulphuric acid ( ${H_2}S{O_4}$) can act both as an acid and as an oxidising agent.It gives a hydrogen ion to the halide ion to produce a hydrogen halide