Question

-The illustration above shows a representation of formic acid. A formic acid molecule
A) will form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. 
B) has a tetrahedral configuration of hybrid electron orbitals for the carbon atom. 
C) consists of largely nonpolar covalent bonds. 
D) is held together by hydrogen bonds. 
E) has a tetrahedral shape and will form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

Accepted Answer

Formic acid (HCOOH) can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group, which makes it soluble in water. The carbon atom in formic acid is not in a tetrahedral configuration but rather is part of a planar carboxyl group. The molecule consists of polar covalent bonds, especially within the -COOH group, and is not held together by hydrogen bonds; hydrogen bonds can form between separate formic acid molecules or with water, but they do not hold the individual formic acid molecule together.