What is Formic Acid (CAS 64-18-6)?
Formic acid (CAS 64-18-6), also known as methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid with the chemical formula HCOOH or CH₂O₂. It is a clear, colorless, pungent and corrosive liquid that is miscible with water and many organic solvents.
Formic acid occurs naturally in the venom and secretions of certain ants and other insects. Today, commercial formic acid is widely used in textile processing, leather tanning, natural rubber production, animal feed preservation and chemical manufacturing.
Commercial formic acid is available in different concentrations, including 85%, 90%, 94%, 98% and 99%, depending on the application and required specification.
Chemical And Physical Properties Of Formic Acid
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Formic Acid / Methanoic Acid |
| CAS Number | 64-18-6 |
| Chemical formula | HCOOH / CH₂O₂ |
| Molecular weight | 46.03 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Strong, pungent |
| Density | Approximately 1.22 g/mL |
| Melting point | 8.4°C |
| Boiling point | Approximately 100.8°C |
| Water solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility in organic solvents | Miscible with several common organic solvents |
What Is Formic Acid Used For?
Formic acid is widely used across various industries due to its ability to effectively lower pH levels and provide a controlled acidic environment.
Key applications include textile processing and dyeing, leather tanning, natural rubber latex coagulation, animal feed preservation, chemical synthesis, and industrial pH adjustment and processing.
1.Textile Dyeing: Methanoic acid is a common reducing agent used in textile dyeing. It enhances the colorfastness of certain dyes on wool and silk materials and aids in the dye's fixation, leading to brighter and longer-lasting color.
2.Leather Tanning: Formic acid is a staple in the leather tanning industry, where it's used in the pickling process – the initial stage of tanning. Animal hides are soaked in a formic acid solution during pickling, lowering the pH and helping remove residual flesh, fat, or hair.
3.Rubber Production: 85% formic acid is a coagulating agent for natural latex in rubber production. Lowering the pH destabilizes the colloidal suspension of rubber particles in the liquid, causing them to form a solid mass. Besides, it's used as a preservative for rubber products and a cleaning agent for rubber processing equipment.
4.Livestock Feed: Formic acid chemical is a widely used preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. It helps prevent bacterial and fungal growth, which can spoil the feed and reduce its nutritional content. Besides, it can enhance the feed's digestibility, improving the animals' health and productivity.
How to Choose the Right Formic Acid Concentration?
The right concentration depends primarily on the production process rather than simply choosing the highest available concentration.
When selecting formic acid, buyers should consider:
Application:
Determine whether the product will be used for rubber coagulation, textile processing, leather tanning, feed preservation or chemical synthesis.
Concentration:
Higher concentration does not automatically mean better performance. The concentration should match the formulation and process requirements.
Purity and Impurities:
For applications with strict quality requirements, review relevant impurity limits in addition to the acid concentration.
Documentation:
For industrial and international procurement, request a COA, SDS/MSDS and technical specification from the supplier.
Formic Acid Safety and Handling
Formic acid is corrosive and can cause serious skin and eye damage, particularly at higher concentrations.
Important handling precautions include:
- Wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing and safety goggles or a face shield.
- Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
- Handle the product in a well-ventilated area to reduce exposure to irritating vapors.
- Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
- Store formic acid in compatible, corrosion-resistant containers.
- Keep it away from incompatible materials, including strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.
- Follow the storage and handling requirements specified in the current SDS.
How to Buy Formic Acid in Bulk?
For bulk formic acid procurement, buyers should provide the supplier with the following information:
- Required concentration, such as 85%, 90%, 94%, 98% or 99%
- Intended application
- Required quantity
- Packaging preference
- Destination port or delivery location
- Required documentation
- Expected delivery schedule
GNEE BIO as a professional chemical supplier should be able to provide relevant COA, SDS/MSDS, TDS, packaging information and commercial quotation according to the product and destination requirements.
Bulk Formic Acid Supply
GNEE BIO is a professional chemical raw material supplier and exporter with extensive international trade experience. We cooperate with qualified manufacturing partners to supply chemical products for customers in different markets worldwide.
Our services include bulk chemical supply, product documentation, customized packaging coordination, and international export support. Depending on the product and customer requirements, we can provide COA, SDS/MSDS, TDS and relevant export documentation.
Our customers are located across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and other international markets.
