# Methanoic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid and is found naturally in ant venom. Describe the reactions of methanoic acid with sodium carbonate and with ethanol, including the name of each organic product formed.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 3.4 Carbonyls and acids · Describe · 5 marks

> Methanoic acid has the molecular formula HCOOH. It is a carboxylic acid that can take part in several chemical reactions typical of this functional group.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Methanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate to produce carbon dioxide (effervescence / bubbles / fizzing observed)
2. A salt (sodium methanoate) is also produced in the reaction with sodium carbonate
3. Water is also produced in the reaction with sodium carbonate
4. Methanoic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst (concentrated sulfuric acid) to form an ester
5. The ester formed is ethyl methanoate

## Key terms

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/methanoic-acid-is-the-simplest-carboxylic-dc12ac56) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.