Question

Which acid is present in an ant sting?
A. Butanoic Acid
B. Acetic Acid
C. Methanoic Acid
D. Ethanoic Acid

Answer 1

Hint: Whenever an ant bites it injects the acid that causes a burning sensation. Every acid has its own sensation so it is a type of indicator or hint as to which acid it is.

Complete step by step Solutions:
> Butanoic acid or Butyric acid is found in animal fat and plant oils, bovine milk, breast milk, butter, parmesan cheese, and as a product of anaerobic fermentation. The acid is very important for a raw material in the manufacture of easters of lower alcohols for use as flavouring agents.
> Acetic acid is found in a variety of substances such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and relish, salad dressings, marinades for meat, poultry and fish, bakery products, soups, and cheeses. Pure(100%) acetic acid is called glacial acetic acid because it freezes to an ice-like solid.
> Formic Acid or methanoic acid, represented by HCOOH is mainly found in the strings and bites of many insects, including bees and ants. The wood ants from the genus formica can spray formic acid on their prey or to defend the nest. Formic acid is a naturally occurring component of the atmosphere primarily due to forest emissions.
> Ethanoic acid is found in our urine after drinking some alcohol. It is found in vinegar and Vinegar is used as a food flavoring and preservatives. It is also used to make a polymer called acetate rayon.
So by seeing and understanding where all the above acids are present, we can say that methonic acid is present in an ant sting. Therefore option C is correct.

Note: Always remember what is the source of which acid. Sometimes we can also detect the presence of acid by its sensations, for example methanoic acid causes burning sensation. It is also the first member in the carboxylic acids family.