Question

When formic acid reacts with $PC{l}_3$ it forms:

• A. methyl chloride
• B. acetyl chloride
• C. formyl chloride
• D. carbon monoxide and $HCl$

Answer 1

The correct option is D carbon monoxide and $HCl$

When formic acid reacts with $PC{l}_3$ it forms carbon monoxide and HCl
$PC{l}_3+3HCOOH\to 3CO+3HCl+P(OH{)}_3$

That is because $HOCl$ (methanoyl chloride) is very unstable, decomposing to give carbon monoxide and HCl.