The Latin word formica means ant. The name formic acid is derived from this Latin word because__________?
Correct answer: C. this acid was first obtained by the distillation of ants
- A. this acid, in ancient times, was used to eliminate ant-hills
- B. this corrosive acid is secreted by ants to drive away their enemies
- C. this acid was first obtained by the distillation of ants
- D. ants are attracted by the odour of this acid
Explanation
Formic acid was historically obtained by distilling ants, which explains its name from the Latin word formica meaning ant. Hence option c is correct. Students may choose b because ants can produce formic acid as a defence secretion, but the question refers to the historical source of the acid's name.
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About Nomenclature, Structure and Preparation
Carboxylic acids are prepared by oxidising primary alcohols or aldehydes, hydrolysing nitriles, esters and amides, and carbonating suitable organometallic compounds. Their structures, IUPAC naming, resonance stabilisation and acidic character explain why carboxylic acids differ from alcohols and phenols, despite all containing oxygen and hydrogen.
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