Formic Acid

Specifications

CAS No.
64-18-6
Molecular formula
HCOOH
Molecular weight
46.02
Melting point
8.4°C
Boiling point
100.8°C

Product overview

Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid with the chemical formula HCOOH. It occurs naturally in the venom of bee and ant stings, and gets its name from the Latin word for ant (formica). Industrially, it is an important chemical intermediate used in various processes including leather tanning, textile dyeing, and as a preservative in livestock feed.

Key features

  • Strongest of the simple carboxylic acids
  • Highly corrosive to skin and metals
  • Miscible with water, ethanol, ether, and glycerin
  • Strong reducing agent - easily oxidized to CO2 and water
  • Volatile with a boiling point close to water
  • Available in various concentrations (85%, 90%, 94%, 99%)
  • Can act as both acid and reducing agent
  • Low molecular weight makes it highly reactive.

Applications

Leather industry
tanning agent, deliming, and acidulation
Textile industry
dyeing auxiliary, acid dye fixative
Agriculture
silage preservative, antibacterial agent for animal feed
Rubber industry
coagulant for natural rubber latex
Chemical synthesis
production of formate esters, formamides, and pharmaceuticals
Cleaning products
industrial cleaning formulations, descaling agents
Pharmaceutical industry
intermediate for various drugs
Electroplating
additive for metal finishing processes
Paper industry
pulp processing and bleaching.
Select the fields to be shown. Others will be hidden. Drag and drop to rearrange the order.
  • Image
  • SKU
  • Rating
  • Price
  • Stock
  • Description
  • Weight
  • Dimensions
  • Additional information
  • Add to cart
Click outside to hide the comparison bar
Compare