Formic Acid
Methanoic Acid
- CAS
- 64-18-6
- EC
- 200-579-1
- Food Code
- E236
- Sectors
- Textiles, Leather & Paper, Animal Nutrition, Rubber & Elastomers
Formic Acid (CAS 64-18-6), also known as methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid; it is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor and strong acidity, and it is used in leather tanning, textile dyeing, rubber coagulation and silage preservation. It is the simplest carboxylic acid and occurs naturally in ants and plants.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | CH2O2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 46.03 g/mol |
| Form | Liquid |
| Color | APHA: ≤15 |
| Odor | at 0.10 % in water. pungent vinegar formyl |
| Melting point | 8.4 °C |
| Boiling point | 100.5 °C |
| Density | 1.220 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Water solubility | MISCIBLE |
| Flash point | 133 °F |
| pH | 2.2 (10g/l, H2O, 20°C) |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Flammable, Corrosive, Acute toxicity, Irritant / harmful, Health hazard |
| HS code | 29151100 |
| Grades available | Food Grade, Technical Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Formic Acid
Applications
Used in leather tanning, textile dyeing, rubber coagulation, and silage preservation. Also serves as a reducing agent in chemical synthesis and as a pH modifier in electroplating and cleaning formulations.
Safety & Risks
Corrosive and volatile; contact may cause severe burns. Vapors can irritate respiratory tract. Handle under fume extraction with acid-resistant PPE.
Packaging
Supplied in 25–250 kg HDPE drums or IBC tanks. Store cool, dry, and away from oxidizing agents and bases.