Manipal MET2020ChemistryCarboxylic Acid Derivatives
The reagent which distinguishes formic acid and acetic acid is
Options
- A2, 4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine
- BHgCl ₂
- CC ₂ H ₅ ONa
- DHg ₂ Cl ₂
Correct answer
B. HgCl ₂
Step-by-step solution
HgCl ₂ distinguishes formic acid and acetic acid. Formic acid produces a white precipitate with HgCl ₂ solution. Acetic acid does not give this test.