Formic Acid

Formic Acid (HCOOH, CAS 64-18-6), also known as methanoic acid or "ant acid," is the simplest carboxylic acid—a colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Boiling at 100.8 °C and fully miscible with water, it is the strongest acid among saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids (pKa 3.75). Possessing both carboxyl and aldehyde functionalities, it undergoes esterification, amidation, silver-mirror, and reduction reactions. With approximately 45% of consumption in pharmaceuticals (analgin, aminopyrine, theophylline intermediates), 30% in chemical synthesis (formates, DMF, formamide), and 25% in leather tanning, textile dyeing, rubber coagulation, and animal feed additives (silage preservation), formic acid is a versatile basic organic chemical. Classified as a corrosive and flammable substance (UN 1779, Class 8+3); store in a cool, ventilated area strictly separated from oxidizers, strong bases, and active metals.

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Product Introduction

Zouping Jinxing Chemical Co., Ltd. is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of formic acid in China. If you're going to wholesale bulk formic acid made in China, welcome to get free sample from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and low price.

Basic properties

Appearance:Formic acid is a colorless, transparent liquid with an irritating, pungent odor and an acidic taste.
Melting point: 8.4℃, Boiling point: 100.8℃ (similar to water).
A weak acid stronger than acetic acid (pKa ≈ 3.75), but stronger than acetic acid.
Miscible with water, alcohols, and ethers; possesses properties of both acids and aldehydes (has an aldehyde hydrogen group in its structure, which can be oxidized to CO₂ and water).
Has reducing properties; can decolorize potassium permanganate and also undergo the silver mirror reaction.

Main uses

Industry: Rubber coagulants, leather tanning auxiliaries; textile printing and dyeing auxiliaries, metal surface treatment; production of formates (such as sodium formate and calcium formate, used as feed additives and de-icing agents)
Agriculture: Silage additives (inhibit spoilage bacteria, preserve nutrients)
Chemical intermediates: Production of formate ester solvents, pharmaceutical intermediates
Others: Formic acid is a commonly used laboratory analytical reagent.
Research direction in fuel cells (direct formate fuel cells)

Safety and toxicity

Highly irritating: Skin contact will cause redness, blistering, and severe pain (the same pain experienced after an ant sting). Vapors irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract; high concentrations can cause laryngeal edema. Ingestion can corrode the digestive tract; absorption can cause acidosis, hemolysis, and kidney damage. Handling must be done in a fume hood, wearing acid-resistant gloves and goggles. Flammable, flash point approximately 69°C (closed cup), but the primary hazard is corrosiveness rather than combustion or explosion.

FAQ

Q: Toxicity and Occupational Health

A:Moderate acute toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ in rats approx. 1100 mg/kg; dermal LD₅₀ in rabbits approx. 500 mg/kg;

Primary hazard is strong corrosivity:

Skin contact: Severe chemical burns, erythema, blistering, and necrosis; slow healing and prone to scarring;

Eye contact: Corneal burns, potentially leading to blindness (H318);

Vapor inhalation: Irritation of the respiratory tract; causes laryngitis, bronchitis, and pulmonary edema (delayed onset);

Chronic effects: Prolonged exposure causes skin dryness, defatting, dermatitis, and dental erosion;

Occupational exposure limits:

China GBZ 2.1: PC-TWA 10 mg/m³ (≈5.4 ppm), PC-STEL 20 mg/m³

ACGIH TLV-TWA: 5 ppm (9.4 mg/m³), STEL 10 ppm

GHS Label: Danger; H226 (Flammable) + H314 (Causes severe skin burns and eye damage) + H332 (Harmful if inhaled) + H335 (May cause respiratory irritation)

Q: Key Points for Handling and Storage

A: Use enclosed operations and local exhaust ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation;

PPE: Acid-resistant gloves (butyl or neoprene rubber), safety goggles and face shield, acid-resistant protective clothing, and half-face respirator with acid gas cartridge; handling with bare hands is strictly prohibited;

Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse (≤30°C); keep away from strong oxidizers (e.g., nitric acid, potassium permanganate), strong bases, and reactive metals (e.g., zinc, magnesium, aluminum); maintain temperature above 10°C in winter to prevent solidification;

Leakage handling: Absorb spills using sand, dry lime, or soda ash; for large spills, transfer the liquid to a dedicated collection vessel using a pump; do not flush directly with water (as this may cause acid splashing and spreading); dispose of as acidic hazardous waste through a qualified facility;

Firefighting: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, or CO₂; containers exposed to heat during a fire may explode; firefighters must wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

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