How to distinguish between methyl formate (HCOOCH3) and ethanoic acid (CH3COOH)?

April 13, 2026Chemistry

ScanSolve AI Answer

April 13, 2026

Step 1: Solve question 4.c. To distinguish between HCOOCH $_3$ (methyl formate, an ester) and CH $_3$ COOH (ethanoic acid, a carboxylic acid).

Test: Add a small amount of sodium carbonate solution to each compound.
Observation:
- CH $_3$ COOH (ethanoic acid) will react with sodium carbonate to produce effervescence (fizzing) due to the evolution of carbon dioxide gas. $2CH_3COOH (aq) + Na_2CO_3 (aq) \longrightarrow 2CH_3COONa (aq) + H_2O (l) + CO_2 (g)$

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Quick Answer

Solve question 4.c. To distinguish between HCOOCH_3 (methyl formate, an ester) and CH_3COOH (ethanoic acid, a carboxylic acid).

Asked on April 13, 2026Chemistry

This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.

ScanSolve AI AnswerAnswered on April 13, 2026

Step 1: Solve question 4.c. To distinguish between HCOOCH_3 (methyl formate, an ester) and CH_3COOH (ethanoic acid, a carboxylic acid). Test: Add a small amount of sodium carbonate solution to each compound. Observation: CH_3COOH (ethanoic acid) will react with sodium carbonate to produce effervescence (fizzing) due to the evolution of carbon dioxide gas. 2CH_3COOH (aq) + Na_2CO_3 (aq) 2CH_3COONa (aq) + H_2O (l) + CO_2 (g)