A
colorless caustic fuming liquid, HCOOH, used in dyeing and finishing textiles
and paper and in the manufacture of fumigants, insecticides, and refrigerants.
Formic
acid also called methanoic acid, it is the simplest carboxylic acid. Its
chemical formula is HCOOH or HCO2H. It is an important intermediate in chemical
synthesis and occurs naturally, most notably in ant venom. In fact, its name
comes from the Latin word for ant, Formica, referring to its early isolation by
the distillation of ant bodies.
The Properties of Formic acid
Formic
acid is miscible with water and most polar organic solvents, and somewhat
soluble in hydrocarbons. In hydrocarbons and in the vapor phase, it consists of
hydrogen-bonded dimers rather than individual molecules. Owing to its tendency
to hydrogen-bond, gaseous formic acid does not obey the ideal gas law. Solid
formic acid (two polymorphs) consists of an effectively endless network of
hydrogen-bonded formic acid molecules. This relatively complicated compound
also forms a low-boiling azeotrope with water (22.4%) and liquid formic acid
also tends to supercool.
Uses
A
major use of formic acid is as a preservative and antibacterial agent in
livestock feed. In Europe, it is applied on silage to promote the fermentation
of lactic acid and to suppress the formation of butyric acid; it also allows
fermentation to occur quickly, and at a lower temperature, reducing the loss of
nutritional value. Formic acid arrests certain decay processes and causes the
feed to retain its nutritive value longer, and so it is widely used to preserve
winter feed for cattle
Formic
acid is also significantly used in the production of leather, including tanning,
and in dyeing and finishing of textile because of its acidic nature. Use as a
coagulant in the production of rubber constituted in 2009 6% of the global
consumption.
Formic
acid is also used in place of mineral acids for various cleaning products, such
as limescale remover and toilet bowl cleaner. Some formate esters are
artificial flavorings or perfumes. Beekeepers use formic acid as a miticide
against the tracheal mite and the Varroa mite. The use of formic acid in fuel
cells is also under investigation.
Industrial Uses
One of the most common industrial uses of
formic acid is in the production of leather. Because it is so acidic, formic
acid has proven itself to be perfect for use in this fashion. Although formic
acid is most frequently used in leather production, other industries currently
use formic acid in the process of dyeing and finishing textiles. It is also
commonly used as a coagulant in many rubber manufacturing processes.
In
addition to its use in the leather, textile and rubber industries, derivatives
of formic acid have recently been developed to help fight slippery road
conditions in countries such as Austria and Switzerland. These countries, which
fight bitter winters and very dangerous roads, are now using formates, which
are the salts that are derived from formic acid. Not only are these formates
more effective than traditional salt treatments, they are also more
environmentally friendly. When used properly, formates can greatly increase the
gripping ability of otherwise slick surfaces, as well as promote the removal of
these surfaces with machines and other technologies.
Agricultural Uses
Agriculture
accounts for a very high percentage of formic acid use worldwide. Because of
its natural antibacterial properties, formic acid has achieved very high use as
both an antibacterial preservative and pesticide. In this industry, it is most
commonly used as a food additive, and is frequently added to animal feed and
silage. When it is used in silage, it serves a dual function. In addition to
providing a certain level of antibacterial support, formic acid actually allows
silage to begin fermentation at a lower temperature, greatly reducing the
overall time that it takes to produce while increasing the nutritional value of
the finished product.
Precautions
Depending
on how concentrated it is, formic acid can either be unnoticeable or very
dangerous. Through the course of our typical interaction with this chemical, we
are exposed only to very low concentrations. Because of this, there is very
little to fear. If exposed at high concentrations, however, there are many
dangerous side effects that can occur. The most dangerous aspect of the formic
acid is its highly corrosive nature when in a concentrated form. Because it is
so corrosive, highly concentrated amounts of formic acid can lead to serious
injury if it is inhaled, swallowed or touched directly. This includes ulcers,
nausea, burns, blisters and extreme discomfort around the affected area.
Although it is not likely except under special situations, high concentrations
of formic acid should be avoided altogether.
Safety
HAZARDS – TOXICITY
Effects,
Acute Exposure Skin Contact stinging, redness & swelling after
5 minute delay., corrosive damage in 24 hr; healing very
slow and permanent scarring may occur Skin Absorption
probably not absorbed; no toxic effects likely by this route Eye Contact
corrosive; may damage the eyes permanently
Inhalation
highly irritating; may cause pulmonary oedema with difficult
breathing & shortness of breath
Ingestion
corrosive damage to mouth and throat; stomach damage may also occur,
vomiting & pain too
Effects,
Chronic Exposure General prolonged exposure of skin unlikely because
of severe acute effects; chronic absorption of small amounts may damage
kidneys Sensitizing not a sensitizer in humans or animals
Carcinogen/Tumorigen not considered a tumorigen or a carcinogen in
humans or animals Reproductive Effect no known effect in humans or animals
Mutagen no known effect on humans or animals Synergistic With not known
LD50 (oral) 1100 & 1830mg/kg (rat).
FIRST AID
SKIN:
Wash with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and do
not reuse until thoroughly laundered. EYES: Wash eyes with plenty of water,
holding eyelids open. Seek medical assistance promptly if there is irritation.
INHALATION:
Remove from contaminated area promptly. CAUTION: Rescuer must not
endanger himself! If breathing stops, administer artificial respiration
and seek medical aid promptly.
INGESTION:
Give plenty of water to dilute product. Do not induce vomiting (NOTE
below). Keep victim quiet. If vomiting occurs, lower victim’s
head below hips to prevent inhalation of vomited material.
Seek medical help promptly.
Inadvertent inhalation of vomited material may seriously damage the lungs.
The danger of this is greater than the risk of poisoning through absorption of this relativelylowtoxicity substance. The stomach should only be emptied under medical supervision, and after the installation of an airway to protect the lungs.
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