What happens when formic acid is heated with conc. `H_(2)SO_(4)`?

Explanation

Both the acids get protonated in the presence of `H_(2)SO_(4)` and are expected to lose a molecule of `H_(2)O` to form acylium ions. Whereas the ion in case formic acid loses a `H^(+)` ion to form stable carbon monoxide (CO), the corresponding ion in acetic acid is not in a position to lose `H^(+)` ion and is not formed.