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.
IIT JEE
Chemistry
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
AIt was first isolated by distilling ants (Latin: 'formica')
-
BIt forms naturally in wood sap (“forma”)
-
CIt was first synthesized in formate mines
-
DIt was named after its crystal “form”
Answer
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 AnswerIt was first isolated by distilling ants (Latin: 'formica').