Question

Which of the following compounds will react with Tollen's reagent ?

• A. $C{H}_{3}COC{H}_3$
• B. $HCOOH$
• C. $C{H}_3-COOH$
• D. $C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}C{H}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $HCOOH$

Tollen's reagent oxidizes an aldehyde into the corresponding carboxylic acid but do not respond to ketone and alkane.
Formic acid give Tollens' and Fehling's tests while other carboxylic acids ​do not due to the presence of aldehyde bond that can be oxidized further in the presence of mild oxidizing agents like Tollens' and Fehling's reagents. Thus correct option is (b).