Formic acid

Formic acid (CAS 64-18-6), also known by its E-number E236, is the simplest carboxylic acid and a commercially significant organic acid.

Where is Formic acid used?

• Leather and textile processing: controls bath pH during dyeing and tanning, affecting colour uptake and hide quality
• Agriculture: silage preservation and animal feed acidification inhibit microbial spoilage and extend shelf life
• Food and beverage: approved acidulant and preservative in baked goods, beverages and dairy
• Pharmaceuticals and water treatment: pH-adjusting agent and synthesis intermediate
• Its chelating capacity supports scale and metal ion control in process water systems.
• Industrial cleaning: used in industrial cleaners and for paint stripping.
• Rubber industry: used particularly for latex coagulation and various production processes, contributing to maintaining production quality.

Good to know: Technical-grade product covers industrial and agricultural end uses where high purity is less critical.

Formulation notes

• Reacts with amines and attacks many plastics and metals.

Typical specification

• Miscible with water and alcohol solvents.
• Color of 10 max. Pt-Co.
• Chloride content of 0.002% max. or 0.0005% max. as Cl.

Regulatory status

• For transport, classified as UN Class 8 (corrosive) with packing group II.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Reacts violently with strong oxidants, isocyanates and strong bases, creating fire and explosion hazards and toxic gas.
• Decomposes on heating, producing toxic and flammable gases and formaldehyde.
• Formic acid 85% should be stored in closed, corrosion-resistant containers in cool, ventilated places away from oxidizing agents.
• Available in 1200 kg IBC tanks.

Frequently asked questions about Formic acid

Does formic acid act only as an acidifying agent?

No, formic acid acts as both an acidifying and a reducing agent.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.