The correct answer is: B. this corrosive acid is secreted by ants to drive away their enemies.
Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid and the first member of the homologous series of aliphatic carboxylic acids. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is found naturally in many plants and animals, including ants, where it is used as a defense mechanism. Formic acid is also produced commercially by the oxidation of methanol.
The name formic acid is derived from the Latin word formica, which means “ant.” This is because formic acid was first isolated from the secretions of ants. Ants use formic acid as a defense mechanism. When an ant is attacked, it can spray formic acid from its abdomen. The formic acid can irritate the skin and eyes of the attacker, and it can also cause burns.
Formic acid is a corrosive acid. It can cause burns to the skin and eyes. It can also damage the respiratory system if inhaled. Formic acid is a hazardous substance and should be handled with care.
A. this acid, in ancient times, was used to eliminate ant-hills. This is not the reason why formic acid is named after ants. Formic acid was first isolated from the secretions of ants, but it was not used to eliminate ant-hills until much later.
C. this acid was first obtained by the distillation of ants. This is not the reason why formic acid is named after ants. Formic acid was first isolated from the secretions of ants, but it was not obtained by the distillation of ants until much later.
D. ants are attracted by the odour of this acid. This is not the reason why formic acid is named after ants. Ants are not attracted by the odor of formic acid. In fact, they are repelled by it.