Which one of the following is an organic acid ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Hydrochloric acid” option2=”Nitric acid” option3=”Acetic acid” option4=”Sulphuric acid” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2019

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Organic acids are typically organic compounds that contain acidic properties. The most common type of organic acid is a carboxylic acid, which contains a carboxyl group (-COOH). Among the given options, Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is an organic compound containing a carboxyl group and is therefore an organic acid.

– Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong inorganic acid (mineral acid).
– Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a strong inorganic acid (mineral acid).
– Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is a carboxylic acid and a weak organic acid. It is the main component of vinegar.
– Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a strong inorganic acid (mineral acid).

Inorganic acids are typically derived from inorganic compounds and often do not contain carbon (with a few exceptions like carbonic acid, H₂CO₃). Organic acids are carbon-based compounds, typically derived from living organisms or their products.

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