Organic acids (etymology): Why is methanoic acid called “formic acid”? Formic acid name origin relates to a Latin word linked to insects. Choose the correct reason.

Q: Organic acids (etymology): Why is methanoic acid called “formic acid”? Formic acid name origin relates to a Latin word linked to insects. Choose the correct reason.

Concept/History Formic comes from Latin formica = ant. Early chemists obtained methanoic (formic) acid by distilling crushed ants. Final Answer It was first isolated by distilling ants (Latin: 'formica').

Difficulty: Easy

It was first isolated by distilling ants (Latin: 'formica')
It forms naturally in wood sap (“forma”)
It was first synthesized in formate mines
It was named after its crystal “form”

Correct Answer: It was first isolated by distilling ants (Latin: 'formica')

Explanation:

Concept/History

Formic comes from Latin formica = ant. Early chemists obtained methanoic (formic) acid by distilling crushed ants.

Final Answer
It was first isolated by distilling ants (Latin: 'formica').

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