why does formic acid give tollens test?

Dear Student,

Formic acid (HCOOH) contains both aldehyde (-CHO) as well as carboxyl group (-COOH), and it behaves as a reducing agent. Therefore, Formic acid reduces Tollen's reagent to metallic Silver, according to following reaction:

HCOOH + 2 [Ag(NH3)2]+ + 2 OH- → 2 Ag + CO2 + 2H2O + 4 NH3

Hope, this information is helpful.

Enjoy learning!!

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