1. Tardigrade
  2. Question
  3. Chemistry
  4. The distinguishing test between methanoic acid and ethanoic acid is

Q. The distinguishing test between methanoic acid and ethanoic acid is

 2731  158 KCETKCET 2015Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Report Error

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.

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So, like aldehyde, methanoic acid reduces Tollen's reagent to shining silver mirror but ethanoic acid does not give this test