+91-87964 74404
FlagBACK
Question icon
Grade 12Organic Chemistry

Why does formic acid give a positive test with tollens reagent?

Profile image of Priyanshi
9 Years agoGrade 12
Answers icon

1 Answer

Profile image of Umakant biswal
9 Years ago
dear priyanshi
formic acid is unique amongst simple carboxylic acids since it contains a hydrogen atom instead of an alkyl group(H-COOH,)all other carboxylic acid contains an alkyl group attached to C instead of hydrogen on left side) ....thus formic acid may be regarded both as an aldehyde as well as a carboxylic acid..like aldehydes it can be easily oxidised to carbonic acid (H2CO3) which decomposes to give CO2 and H2O. 
HCOOH + [O] -----> [H2CO3] ----> CO2 + H2O 
thus like aldehydes it reduces Fehling's solution to red ppt. of Cu2O.Tollen's reagent to silver mirror.
hope it clears now 
regards 
 

Other Related Questions on organic chemistry

question mark
'x' gm of a compound A3B2C5 contains 'y' gm of A atoms
 
Using above information
Match the following 
organic chemistry
1 Answer Available

Last Activity: 3 Years ago

question mark
 Dr. Ronald Lance is the greatest spell caster in the world also referred to as the most powerful saiki in the world by those who have used his powerful magic spells, weather you aiming at fixing your love, relationship or marriage, Ronald Lance is a real spells caster for your needs, bear in your mind that you are about to get in touch with our very experienced spells caster verified for casting authentic spells Call/Whats App+27634928462
organic chemistry
3 Answers Available

Last Activity: 3 Years ago

question mark
Plz answer this query.....................................................................................................
organic chemistry
1 Answer Available

Last Activity: 3 Years ago

question mark
how to represent the possible fischer projections for 2-bromohexane 
organic chemistry
1 Answer Available

Last Activity: 4 Years ago