MHT CET · Chemistry · Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

Corrosive sublimate \(\left(\mathrm{HgCl}_{2}\right)\) can be used to distinguish between

A formic acid and acetic acid
B acetaldehyde and butanone
C formaldehyde and propanone
D All of the above

Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(A) formic acid and acetic acid

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Corrosive sublimate gives black ppt of calomel with formic acid but it does not react with acetic acid.
\(
2 \mathrm{HCOOH}+2 \mathrm{HgCl}_{2} \longrightarrow \mathrm{Hg}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}+\mathrm{CO}_{2}~+\) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}
\)
\(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COOH}+\mathrm{HgCl}_{2} \longrightarrow\) No reaction

Apply the relevant identity from the chapter and substitute the values established in the previous step, keeping the original constraint in view.

Use the simplified expression to isolate the unknown, then plug the result back into the question setup to confirm the working is internally consistent.

Cross-check against a boundary or limiting case. Both the dimensional balance and the qualitative behaviour at the extreme should agree with the candidate answer.

Combine the steps above to identify the correct option. The remaining choices each fail at least one of the consistency, dimensional, or boundary checks.

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