MHT CET Medical202622 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryCarboxylic Acid DerivativesActual
Which of the following acids is tricarboxylic acid?
Options
- ALactic acid
- BCitric acid
- CAdipic acid
- DFormic acid
Correct answer
B. Citric acid
Step-by-step solution
Lactic acid is a monocarboxylic acid with the structure CH₃CH(OH)COOH . Citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid with the IUPAC name 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid and the structure HOOC-CH₂-C(OH)(COOH)-CH₂-COOH . Adipic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with the structure HOOC-(CH₂)₄-COOH . Formic acid is a monocarboxylic acid with the structure HCOOH . Therefore, citric acid is the only tricarboxylic acid among the given options. Answer: Citric acid