Question

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 1

Answer: (B)

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