Question

When $HCOOH$  reacts with concentrated  $H_{2}S{O}_4$, produces:

A)  $CO$ 

B)  $C{O}_2$ 

C)  $NO$ 

D)  $N{O}_2$ 

Answer 1

Hint: Sulphuric acid  $H_{2}S{O}_4$ is both an oxidizing agent as well as a dehydrating agent. Sulphuric acid is also known as vitriol. It is soluble in water.

Complete Answer:

Concentrated sulphuric acid is both an oxidizing agent as well as dehydrating agent. Hence it removes a water molecule as a dehydrating agent and another water molecule by oxidizing hydrogen. Hence we get $CO$ .

Sulfuric acid reacts with formic acid to produce carbon monoxide and hydrate sulfuric acid. 

$HCOOH+H_{2}S{O}_4\to CO+H_{2}S{O}_4.H_{2}O$ 

When  $HCOOH$  (Formic acid) is reacted with concentrated  $H_{2}S{O}_4$  (Sulphuric acid) then  $CO$  (carbon monoxide) gas is evolved.

Reaction Involved:

$HCOOH+H_{2}S{O}_4\to CO+H_{2}S{O}_4.H_{2}O$ 

Correct option is option (A).

Additional Information: 

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas which causes respiratory defects and exploration of these diseases can even cause death. So we should never smell the gas evolved during the reaction.

Note: 

Always keep in mind that Concentrated Sulphuric acid ( $H_{2}S{O}_4$) can act both as an acid and as an oxidising agent.It gives a hydrogen ion to the halide ion to produce a hydrogen halide