Question

One of the following is not an organic acid. This is:

Options

• ethanoic acid

• formic acid

• citric acid

• carbonic acid

Answer 1

Carbonic acid

Explanation:

Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) is classified as an inorganic or mineral acid because it is formed by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in water rather than being extracted from living organisms. It lacks a direct carbon-hydrogen bond and a functional carboxylic acid group, both of which are standard characteristics of organic molecules. In contrast, ethanoic, formic, and citric acids are naturally occurring compounds found in plants and animals, making them true organic acids.