Question

Acid present in honey bee sting is:
A. Formic acid
B. Propanoic acid
C. Butanoic acid
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question, you should know that the answer for this question is a simple carboxylic acid. It is the first member of the carboxylic acid’s family. Now you might have an idea about the answer.

Complete answer:
-The acid present in honey bee sting is formic acid. The name formic acid comes from the Latin word for ant, which is ‘formica’. Chemically, it is a simple carboxylic acid that belongs to the first member of the carboxylic family. Formic acid is the common name used for the carboxylic acid i.e. methanoic acid. The chemical formula of formic acid is $HCOOH$. Generally, formic acid is also found in the stings of beetles, bites, ants and stings of other insects.
-Propanoic acid is an organic acid which is used as a food additive. The acid is found on skin and in the gastrointestinal tract.
-Butanoic acid, which is also called as butyric acid is chiefly used in the manufacture of esters for artificial flavourings i.e. as a food additive. It was first found in rancid butter, that’s why the name butyric acid.

Hence, the correct option is A.

Note: To get relief from formic acid when injected by insects having in their stings, one should apply any available basic salt such as baking soda or soap on the area of injection, as baking soda is alkaline in nature, it will neutralize it and will form a salt.