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Formic Acid

The simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon. Occurs naturally in various sources including the venom of bee and ant stings, and is a useful organic synthetic reagent. Principally used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. It is also significantly used in the production of leather, including tanning, and in dyeing and finishing textiles.

Synonyms
Carbonous acid, Formylic acid, Hydrogen carboxylic acid, Hydroxy(oxo)methane, Metacarbonoic acid, Methanoic acid, Oxocarbinic acid, Oxomethanol
Chemical Formula
CH2O2
CAS Number
64-18-6

Characteristics

Molar Weight
46.025 g/mol
Melting Point
8,4 °C
Boiling Point
100,8 °C
Flash Point
69 °C
Density
1.220g/Ml
Forms
Liquid (clear)

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Fragrances
  • Fabric, textile and leather products
  • Leather processing
  • Cleaning products
  • Preservative
  • Etching & Engraving
  • Oil and Gas
  • pH control
  • Agricultural
  • Laundry products
  • Household industrial
  • Animal feed

Industries

General information about formic acid

Formic acid is also known as methanoic acid or formalic acid. It is an important component of many industrial processes.

Properties of formic acid

Formic acid is a colourless, clear, pungent-smelling and corrosive liquid that can be dissolved in water, ethanol, glycerine and diethyl ether. It is the strongest acid in the carboxylic acid group and is considered flammable. The substance is highly volatile; in the presence of oxygen, formic acid burns to form carbon dioxide and water.

Formic acid in the chemical industry

Formic acid is an important substance for the chemical industry. Among other things, it is used to neutralise alkaline reaction mixtures and as a starting material for the synthesis of various chemical compounds, including organic acids, esters, amides and aldehydes.
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Formic acid in the polymer industry

In the polymer industry, formic acid is used both as a starting material for the production of polymers and as an auxiliary material during the polymerisation process. For example, formic acid is used to produce polyamide-6,6, which is used in textiles, carpets, packaging and automotive parts. Formic acid is also used as a solvent or reaction medium in polymerisation processes.
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Formic acid in the detergent industry

Formic acid is used in cleaning agents due to its antimicrobial properties and its ability to remove limescale deposits. In surface cleaners, formic acid helps to dissolve grease, dirt and soap residues. Formic acid is also used in toilet cleaners to remove limescale, stubborn stains and unpleasant odours.
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Formic acid in the textile industry

Formic acid is used in various areas of the fabric, textile and leather industries and is mainly used for tanning and colouring agents, but also as a disinfectant. As a component of tanning agents, it stabilises the natural proteins in the animal hide during leather production and thus makes the end product more durable.

Formic acid in the rubber and caoutchouc industry

In the rubber industry, formic acid is used as a pH regulator in production processes and as a catalyst in the vulcanisation of rubber. Formic acid is also required to remove rubber residues and other impurities from production facilities and equipment.
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Formic acid in the construction industry

In the construction industry, formic acid is mainly used in construction and renovation processes as well as in the production of building materials. It is used to remove cement and concrete residues, to clean facades and to decalcify and clean tile and ceramic surfaces.
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Formic acid in the cosmetics industry

Formic acid is used in various products in the cosmetics industry. Due to its exfoliating properties, it is an ingredient in skin care products such as scrubs and facial cleansers. The antimicrobial properties of formic acid help in the treatment of acne. In shampoos, the substance cleanses the scalp, reduces dandruff and helps the hair to shine.

Formic acid in medicine

Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect, formic acid is used in medicine as an anti-rheumatic agent. It is also used for the external treatment of muscle and joint complaints, helps in the treatment of warts and as a preventative measure against allergies.

Formic acid in agriculture

Formic acid has various applications in agriculture, both in plant cultivation and in animal husbandry. For example, it is used in beekeeping to combat the varroa mite. In animal husbandry, formic acid is used to disinfect stables and equipment and is also used as a preservative for animal feed. As a crop protection agent, formic acid combats pests and weeds.

Other areas of application for formic acid

  • In the paper industry, formic acid is used to remove slag and discolour pulp, which is required for paper production. Formic acid also purifies the water used in paper mills.
  • In the energy industry, formic acid is used to prevent or reduce corrosion in oil and gas production plants. Another area of application is the decalcification of drilling equipment.
  • In water treatment, formic acid is used to control the pH value.