The oxidation of formaldehyde results in the formation of which acid?

The oxidation of formaldehyde leads to the formation of formic acid. This process occurs as formaldehyde, which is the simplest aldehyde, undergoes oxidation where the aldehyde functional group transforms into a carboxylic acid functional group, specifically producing formic acid (methanoic acid).

Formic acid is directly related to the oxidation of formaldehyde because it shares the same carbon backbone, differing only in functional groups. In this reaction, the carbon atom in formaldehyde is oxidized, leading to an increase in the oxidation state and resulting in formic acid.

In contrast, the other acids listed—acetic, boric, and citric—are derived from different organic compounds and oxidation processes. For instance, acetic acid comes from the oxidation of ethanol, while boric acid is related to boron and does not derive from the oxidation of organic compounds in the same way as formaldehyde. Citric acid is a product of the citric acid cycle and is not directly related to formaldehyde. Thus, the unique relationship between formaldehyde and formic acid confirms that the oxidation of formaldehyde specifically results in formic acid.