Question

The fatty acid which shows reducing property is

• A. acetic acid
• B. ethanoic acid
• C. oxalic acid
• D. formic acid

Hint:

Formic acid behaves like an aldehyde and reduces Tollens’ reagent because it is easily oxidized to \(CO_2\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Identify reducing acid.
Among carboxylic acids, formic acid \((HCOOH)\) is unique because it contains an aldehydic hydrogen.
Step 2: Reason for reducing behaviour.
Formic acid can get oxidized to \(CO_2\), hence it reduces Tollens’ reagent and Fehling’s solution.
\[ HCOOH \rightarrow CO_2 + 2H^+ + 2e^- \] Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus formic acid shows reducing property.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{formic acid}} \]