Question

Name the acid present in ant’s sting.

Hint:

Ant sting contains formic acid.

Answer 1

Name of the Acid Present in Ant’s Sting:

The acid present in an ant’s sting is Formic Acid.

Chemical Name and Formula:
Chemical name: Methanoic acid
Chemical formula: HCOOH

Detailed Explanation:
Formic acid is a simple carboxylic acid. It is naturally found in the sting of ants and is responsible for the burning sensation, irritation, and itching felt after an ant bite. The word “formic” is derived from the Latin word formica, which means ant.

When an ant stings, it injects formic acid into the skin, causing a mild acidic reaction that leads to pain and swelling.

Neutralization:
The irritation caused by formic acid can be relieved by applying a mild base such as baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which neutralizes the acid.

Conclusion:
Therefore, the acid present in an ant’s sting is Formic Acid (HCOOH), also known as methanoic acid.