Question

How is formic acid distinguished from acetic acid ?

Answer 1

Formic acid and acetic acid can be distinguish by Cacodyl oxide test …First Acetic acid should be hitted with sodium bicarbonate and it will give u sodium acetate…….Then sodium acetate with aresnius oxide to produce very offesnsive smell like vapour of cacodyl oxide. ..the formula of cacodyl oxide is (ch3)4As-o-As…….



While formic acid don't react with arsenius oxide……Thus you will distinguish ch3cooh and Hcooh

Answer 2

Hi,

Here is your answer,

The only carboxylic acid that has -CHO group is formic acid. Formic acid reduces Fehling's solution and Tollen's reagent, but not acetic acid.

                      HCOOH + 2CuO -------> H₂O + CO₂ + Cu₂O  (red)

                       HCOOH + Ag₂O ---------> H₂O + CO₂ + 2 Ag ( white )


Hope it helps you !