Moderate

Which one of the following acids is present in lemon juice ?

Correct answer: A. Citric acid

  • A. Citric acid
  • B. Benzoic acid
  • C. Tartaric acid
  • D. Oxalic acid

Explanation

Lemon juice contains a high concentration of citric acid, C6H8O7, which gives it its characteristic sour taste. Tartaric acid is prominent in tamarind and grapes, while benzoic and oxalic acids are not the principal acids of lemon juice. Students may choose oxalic acid because citrus fruits are sometimes loosely associated with oxalates, but citric acid is the characteristic lemon acid.

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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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