Formic Acid Properties

Description

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid. It is an important intermediate in chemical synthesis and occurs naturally, most notably in the venom of bee and ant stings. Esters, salts, and the anion derived from formic acid are referred to as formate(s). A major use of formic acid is as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. Formic acid is also used in the production of textiles and leather because of its acidic nature. It is also used as a coagulant in the production of rubber. Like acetic acid and trifluoroacetic acid, formic acid is commonly used as a volatile pH modifier in HPLC and capillary electrophoresis.