Formic Acid - HCOOH (CAS# - 64-18-6)

Formic acid (HCOOH), also known as methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid, with a chemical formula of HCOOH. Here are some details about formic acid:

 1. Chemical Formula: HCOOH

2. CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) Number: 64-18-6

3. Molecular Weight: Approximately 46.03 g/mol

4. Physical Properties:

   - Appearance: Formic acid is a colorless, pungent liquid with a sharp, acidic odor.

   - Density: Approximately 1.22 g/cm³ at 20°C (68°F).

   - Melting Point: 8.3°C (46.9°F)

   - Boiling Point: 100.8°C (213.4°F)

   - Solubility: Miscible with water and many organic solvents.

 5. Chemical Properties:

   - Formic acid is the simplest organic acid, consisting of a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a hydrogen atom.

   - It is a polar molecule due to the presence of the carboxyl group, which makes it highly soluble in water and other polar solvents.

   - Formic acid can undergo various chemical reactions, including esterification, oxidation, and decarboxylation.

 6. Production:

   - Formic acid is primarily produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide or the hydrolysis of methyl formate.

   - Industrially, it is often produced as a byproduct of acetic acid production or obtained from natural sources such as ants, which produce formic acid as a defense mechanism.

 7. Uses:

   - Preservative: Formic acid is used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in animal feed, silage, and food products to inhibit microbial growth and improve storage stability.

   - Leather Tanning: It is used in the leather industry for tanning and dyeing processes to adjust pH and control microbial growth.

   - Textile Industry: Formic acid is used in the textile industry for dyeing, finishing, and printing processes to adjust pH and remove mineral impurities.

   - Organic Synthesis: It serves as a versatile reagent and intermediate in organic synthesis reactions, including the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals.

   - Cleaning Agent: Formic acid is used as a cleaning agent for removing scale, rust, and mineral deposits in industrial equipment and household appliances.

 8. Health and Safety:

   - Formic acid is corrosive and can cause irritation, burns, and tissue damage upon contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

   - Inhalation of vapor or fumes can irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

   - Exposure to high concentrations of formic acid vapor or ingestion of concentrated solutions can be harmful and may require immediate medical attention.

   - Proper handling, storage, and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and goggles, should be used to minimize exposure to formic acid.

 Formic acid is a valuable chemical with diverse industrial, agricultural, and commercial applications. However, its corrosive nature and potential health hazards require careful handling, storage, and safety precautions to ensure safe usage.

 If you need further information or have specific questions, feel free to ask!