Formic acid

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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