Formic Acid HCO2H
CAS No. 64-18-6, methanoic acid, Aminic acid, Formylic acid, Hydrogen carboxylic acid, Hydroxymethanone, Hydroxy (oxo)methane, Metacarbonoic acid, Oxocarbinic acid, Oxomethanol
Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid and/or HCO2H occurs naturally in the venom of ants and bees. At room temperature formic acid is colorless and its highly pungent odor is readily apparent. It mixes completely with water but is only somewhat soluble in hydrocarbons.
A large amount of the world's production of formic acid is produced as a byproduct in the manufacturing of other chemicals such as acetic acid. It can also be produced synthetically in the laboratory by heating oxalic acid in anhydrous glycerol. The formic acid that results is extracted by steam distillation.
The most common use for formic acid is as a preservative and as an anti-bacterial additive in feed for livestock. Formic acid slows down the decay process and allows cattle feed to retain its nutritional value longer - especially in the winter months. Formic Acid is also used in the poultry industry to kill E. coli bacteria in poultry feed.
Formic acid is also used in several industrial applications such as in the manufacturing of leather and textiles. It's used as a coagulant in the manufacturing of rubber and it's also used in place of mineral acids in the manufacturing of some cleaning products such as toilet bowl cleaners and scale removers.
All the way back in the 15th century, naturalists knew that an acidic vapor emanated from ant hills. They knew that ants secrete formic acid for defense and attack purposes but it wasn't until 1855 that scientists were able to synthesize formic acid from carbon monoxide in the laboratory. That method is still used today.
While formic acid in an 85% formulation isn't flammable and diluted formic acid can be used as a food additive, direct contact with the concentrated fluid or vapors can be dangerous to eyes and skin. Concentrated formulations of formic acid decompose to carbon monoxide and water so for safety, the 98% formulation of formic acid is typically shipped in plastic bottles with self-venting caps. Chronic exposure to formic acid can cause kidney damage in humans.
