Question:

What is the common name for the simplest carboxylic acid, HCOOH ?

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HCOOH is named after ants, Latin formica.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • Acetic acid
  • Formic acid
  • Propanoic acid
  • Butanoic acid
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Common names of many carboxylic acids come from their natural sources.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\(\text{HCOOH}\) was first isolated from red ants, and Latin for ant is formica. So it is formic acid. Its IUPAC name is methanoic acid.
Acetic acid is \(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}\), propanoic acid is \(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{COOH}\), and butanoic acid is \(\text{C}_3\text{H}_7\text{COOH}\).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Formic acid, option (B).

Final Answer:
HCOOH is formic acid (methanoic acid). \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{Formic acid}} \]
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