Question

Which acid is present in stings of bees and ants ?

• A. acetic acid
• B. nitric acid
• C. oxalic acid
• D. formic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is D

formic acid

1. The sting of bees and ants contains formic acid $\left(\mathrm{HCOOH}\right)$.
2. For getting relief from this we can apply basic salt like baking soda $\left({\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\right)$.

Reaction involved:

${\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+\mathrm{HCOOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\stackrel{}{\to }\mathrm{HCOONa}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$

Therefore, formic acid is present in the sting of bees and ants.

Hence, the correct option is (D).