Question

Which of the following is methanol poisoning derivatives?

• A. Formic acid + Lactic acid
• B. Acetic acid
• C.
• D.

Hint:

Formic acid and lactic acid are the toxic metabolites formed in methanol poisoning, leading to metabolic acidosis and other complications.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Methanol poisoning occurs when methanol, a toxic alcohol, is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Methanol is metabolized in the body to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which can cause metabolic acidosis, visual disturbances, and in severe cases, lead to permanent blindness or death.

During the metabolic process of methanol poisoning, the following derivatives are involved:

• Formic acid: This is created from the oxidation of formaldehyde, which is harmful and responsible for most of the toxic effects in methanol poisoning.
• Lactic acid: This can accumulate as a secondary consequence due to metabolic acidosis, as the body attempts to compensate for the acid-base imbalance. It is not a direct derivative but is involved in the metabolic process.

Hence, among the provided options, Formic acid + Lactic acid are the derivatives associated with methanol poisoning.