Question

Name the acid present in ant sting and give its chemical formula. Also, give the common method to get relief from the discomfort caused by the ant sting.

Answer 1

Ant sting

1. Ant sting releases methanoic acid or formic acid.
2. The chemical formula of methanoic acid is$\mathrm{HCOOH}$.
3. Formic acid causes irritation on the skin ,since formic acid is an acid it requires alkaline solution to undergo neutralization to get relief from discomfort.

The following methods can be used to relief from discomfort.

1. Rubbing baking soda$\left({\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\right)$ : Rubbing baking soda on the affected area, causes neutralization and thus, gives relief from the discomfort caused by the ant sting.
2. Calamine solution is applied on the skin when an ant bites because zinc carbonate is present in calamine solution which neutralizes the acidic effect of the formic acid when applied to the skin.

Formic acid ($\mathrm{HCOOH}$) acid present in the ant sting. Rubbing baking soda and applying Calamine solution are common method to get relief from the discomfort caused by the ant sting.