Question

Will formic acid warmed with Tollen's reagent give a positive test? Give reason.

Answer 1

Formic acid $\left(HCOOH\right)$ is not a true acid, it contains both aldehyde as well as carboxyl group $(-COOH)$ and it behaves as a reducing agent. Therefore, formic acid reduces Tollen's reagent to metallic silver. While in case of acetic acid there is no Aldehydic group to reduce Tollen's reagent.