Question

Glycerol on treatment with oxalic acid at \(110^\circ C\) forms

• A. formic acid
• B. \(CO_2\) and CO
• C. allyl alcohol
• D. acrolein

Hint:

Glycerol + oxalic acid at \(110^\circ C\) is used for preparation of formic acid. At higher temperature, dehydration gives acrolein.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Reaction of glycerol with oxalic acid.
When glycerol is heated with oxalic acid at \(110^\circ C\), oxalic acid decomposes and produces formic acid.
This is a known preparation method of formic acid in lab.
Step 2: Note temperature dependence.
At higher temperature (\(\sim 200^\circ C\)), glycerol gives acrolein by dehydration.
But at \(110^\circ C\), the major product is formic acid.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{formic acid}} \]