# Methanoic acid is a carboxylic acid found naturally in ant venom. Describe what is observed and identify the products formed when methanoic acid reacts with magnesium ribbon.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 11.7 Carboxylic acids · Describe · 4 marks

> Methanoic acid, HCOOH, is the simplest carboxylic acid. It is a weak acid that undergoes typical acid reactions with metals.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Effervescence / bubbles / fizzing observed
2. Magnesium dissolves / disappears / ribbon gets smaller
3. Hydrogen gas is produced
4. A salt / magnesium methanoate is formed

## Key terms

- [carboxylic acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carboxylic-acid)
- [methanoic acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/methanoic-acid)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/methanoic-acid-is-a-carboxylic-acid-e89133a8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.