Why does methanoic acid (formic acid, HCOOH) reduce Tollens' reagent and Fehling's solution, unlike all other carboxylic acids?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. It contains both a carboxylic acid group and an oxidizable formyl hydrogen
Methanoic acid has the structure H-COOH, meaning it retains an oxidizable aldehydic C-H bond (formyl group). As a result, it can be oxidized to CO2 and H2O, giving positive Tollens' and Fehling's tests.
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