Formic acid
CAS 64-18-6
EC 200-579-1
Formula CH2O2
MW 46.03 g/mol
Organic Acids Agriculture & FeedFood & NutritionWater TreatmentTextile, Leather & PaperPharmaceuticals & Healthcare Flavoring & AcidulantPreservation & BiocidepH Regulation & BufferingChelation & SequestrationCatalysis
Description
Formic acid (CAS 64-18-6, CH2O2) is a short-chain organic acid occurring naturally in ant venom and certain plant species. Also known as HCOOH, methanoic acid is sold under trade names including Bilorin and Myrmicyl. It carries no E-number designation in the EU.
In animal feed and silage production, formic acid lowers pH rapidly to inhibit bacterial and mold growth, extending shelf life without synthetic preservatives. In leather processing, it drives chromium salt penetration into hides by controlling bath pH. Water treatment operations use it as a reducing agent to remove iron oxide deposits from membrane systems and heat exchangers.
Formic acid is available in technical, feed-grade, and Ph.Eur.-compliant pharmaceutical grades, typically at concentrations of 85% and 99%. It is fully registered under REACH and complies with FCC specifications for food-contact applications. Standard packaging includes IBC containers, drums, and bulk tanker delivery across European markets.
In animal feed and silage production, formic acid lowers pH rapidly to inhibit bacterial and mold growth, extending shelf life without synthetic preservatives. In leather processing, it drives chromium salt penetration into hides by controlling bath pH. Water treatment operations use it as a reducing agent to remove iron oxide deposits from membrane systems and heat exchangers.
Formic acid is available in technical, feed-grade, and Ph.Eur.-compliant pharmaceutical grades, typically at concentrations of 85% and 99%. It is fully registered under REACH and complies with FCC specifications for food-contact applications. Standard packaging includes IBC containers, drums, and bulk tanker delivery across European markets.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 8.4 °C |
| Boiling Point | 100.5 °C |
| Density | 1.220 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 133 °F |
| Appearance | Colorless, fuming liquid; penetrating odor. strong reducing agent. Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Combustible. |
| Color | APHA: ≤15 |
| Odor | at 0.10 % in water. pungent vinegar formyl |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | MISCIBLE |
| Vapor Pressure | 52 mm Hg ( 37 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.377 |
| pH | 2.2 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -0.540 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS02 GHS05 GHS06 GHS07 GHS08
H
H226H290H302H314H318H331H332H335H361H370H372H373H402
P
P203P210P233P234P240P241P242P243P260P261P264P270P271P273P280P316P317P318P319P321P330P363P390P405P406P501P264+P265P301+P317P304+P340P308+P316P370+P378P403+P233P403+P235P301+P330+P331P302+P361+P354P303+P361+P353P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29151100 |
| UN Number | 1198 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
HCO2HHCOOHH-COOHBilorinMyrmicylFormisotonCollo-Didax
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Raw Materials
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