The irritation caused by red ants bite is due to____________________?
Correct answer: B. Formic acid
- A. Lactic acid
- B. Formic acid
- C. Uric acid
- D. Acetic acid
Explanation
Red ants inject formic acid, HCOOH, into the skin, and its acidic action causes the burning irritation. Lactic acid is associated with muscle metabolism, while acetic acid is found in vinegar. The most likely mistake is choosing acetic acid because both acids have a sharp irritating character.
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About Reactivity of Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic acids show acidic behaviour because their carboxylate ions are resonance-stabilised, and electron-withdrawing groups can change their strength. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, formation of acid chlorides and amides, reduction, decarboxylation and substitution at the acyl carbon, which differs from the reactions of phenols.
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