Question

Among formic acid, acetic acid and stearic acid,which is suitable for saponification reaction?

Answer 1

Main Difference – Formic Acid vs Acetic Acid

Both formic acid and acetic acid are organic molecules that can be categorized as CARBOXYLIC ACIDS due to the presence of a carboxyl group. Therefore, both compounds are acidic compounds. However, in aqueous solutions, these are weak acids that are partially dissociated into their conjugated base form by releasing a proton. The main difference between formic acid and acetic acid is that formic acid is composed of a carboxyl group attached to a hydrogen atom whereas acetic acid is composed of a methyl group attached to a carboxyl group.