Formic Acid

Formic Acid is also commonly referred to as Methanoic Acid. It has a chemical formula of HCOOH or HCO2H. Formic Acid is also known as Formylic Acid, Aminic Acid, Hydroxymethanone, Oxomethanol and Metacarbonoic Acid.

Formic Acid is a clear, colourless liquid with a boiling point of 100 to 101 degrees Centigrade and a melting point of 8.5 degrees Centigrade. Formic Acid occurs in nature, specifically in the venom of ant and bee stings. The word 'Formic' is derived from the Latin word 'formica' which means 'ant'.

Formic Acid has many uses in industry and in the laboratory. In farming, Formic Acid is used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in feed for livestock, where it is applied to fresh hay or silage to help speed up the fermentation process and reduce the loss of nutrients. Formic Acid in used in poultry farming to kill the E.coli bacteria. Formic Acid is used in bee-keeping to protect against tracheal and Varroa mites.

As long ago as the 1400's, early alchemists started to become aware that anthills emit an acidic vapour and John Ray, the English naturalist, wrote about this natural phenomena in 1671. However, it was not until the late 1960's that Formic Acid became widely available as a by product of Acetic Acid production. Giant Anteaters, whose diet consists almost entirely of ants, do not produce Hydrochloric Acid to aid their digestion, unlike most other mammals, as they ingest sufficient quantities of Formic Acid in their diet.

In industry, Formic Acid is used in the production of leather and textiles due to its acidic nature. Formic Acid is also used in the production of rubber. Formic Acid is sometimes used in place of mineral acids for various cleaning products, including toilet bowl cleaners and limescale removers.

Laboratory uses of Formic Acid include use as a pH modifier in HPLC applications and as a source of hydride ion in synthetic organic chemistry.

Potential hazards of Formic Acid depend on the strength of the solution. Concentrated Formic Acid is classified as Corrosive and can cause severe burns. It is classified as Harmful by inhalation, ingestion and through skin absorption. It is very destructive of mucous membranes of the nose, throat, respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Inhalation of Formic Acid can prove fatal. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn by persons handling or working with Formic Acid, including protective coveralls, approved eye protection, safety footwear and appropriate safety gloves.