Question

What is the equilibrium equation for the dissociation of formic acid in water? hcooh (aq) + h2o (l) ⇌ h3o+ (aq) + hcoo- (aq)?

Answer 1

Formic acid when in water would dissociate into ions just like any acids. It would dissociate into the hydrogen ion and the formate ion. The equilibrium dissociation equation would be written as:

HCOOH (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ H+ (aq) + HCOO- (aq)

Formic acid is a weak acid which means that when in aqueous solution it does not completely dissociate into its corresponding ions. Only a certain amount that would be dissociated so in the solution there will be HCOOH, HCOO- and H+ molecules. It is also known as Methanoic acid and an important substance for the synthesis of a number of substances. It is naturally occurring in ants.