Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

The Latin word formica means ant. The name formic acid is derived from this Latin word because

  1. this acid, in ancient times, was used to eliminate ant-hills

  2. this corrosive acid is secreted by ants to drive away their enemies

  3. this acid was first obtained by the distillation of ants

  4. ants are attracted by the odour of this acid
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Formic acid was historically produced by the destructive distillation of ant bodies. The name comes from 'formica', the Latin word for ant. While ants do secrete it for defense, the chemical name specifically honors its original method of isolation.

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