General Science • ChemistryMedium
What is the IUPAC name of the simplest organic carboxylic acid found naturally in ant stings and nettle leaves?
A. Acetic acid
B. Formic acid✓ Correct Answer
C. Propionic acid
D. Butyric acid
💡 Solution & Explanation
Formic acid, with the systematic IUPAC name methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid and causes irritation during insect stings. Acetic acid is ethanoic acid, found in vinegar, while propionic and butyric acids have three and four carbon atoms respectively. Organic acids contain the characteristic carboxyl functional group.
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