[Alias] Mosquitoic acid.
［Molecular Formula］CH2O2
［Structural Formula］HCOOH
[Properties]The simplest fatty acid. Because it exists in small amounts in the body of red mosquitoes and in the secretions of some caterpillars, it is also known as formic acid. It is also found in the leaves and roots of plants and some fruits. Colorless liquid with pungent odor. Smoke and flammable relative density 1.220 (20℃). Melting point: 8.6℃. Boiling point: 100.8℃. Flash point (open cup) 68.9℃. The autoignition point is 601°C, the refractive index is 1.3714 (20°C), the viscosity is 1.784mPa·s (20°C), the surface tension is 3.58mN/m (20°C), and the surface tension is 37.58mN/m (20°C). Soluble in water, ethanol, ether, glycerin, slightly soluble in benzene, insoluble in hydrocarbons. Formic acid is the simplest structure among the organic compounds aliphatic carboxylic acid (-COOH), and the most acidic. Its structure is different from other homologues. The carboxyl groups in formic acid are directly connected, and there is no influence of hydrocarbon chains. It oxidizes easily and is also a good reducing agent. It is easily oxidized into water and carbon dioxide, and can be thermally decomposed into water and carbon monoxide with sulfuric acid. When zinc, magnesium, and iron are dissolved in formic acid, hydrogen gas is released. It is corrosive, can irritate the skin, and heals slowly. 80% to 90% of formic acid easily freezes in cold atmosphere.
[Use]Formic acid is a basic organic raw material and can be used to synthesize formate, formate ester, formamide and xylinamide, etc. In the printing and dyeing industry, it is used as a dyeing auxiliary for acid dyes, neutral dyes and nylon dyeing. In the tanning industry, it is used for deliming, dehairing, neutralizing lime, preventing leather from getting moldy and making the leather surface clean and smooth. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used to manufacture borneol, metamizole, aminopyrine, caffeine, vitamins and other drugs. In the pesticide industry, it is used to manufacture insecticidal glands, green feed and the preservation of grains. It can also be used as rubber coagulant, cement coagulant, disinfectant, preservative, fiber and paper dye, plasticizer, pH adjuster, animal feed additive, and used in the manufacture of oxalic acid and various solvents.
[Brief preparation method]
① Sodium formate is prepared by reacting carbon monoxide and sodium hydroxide at high temperature. Formic acid is prepared by acidifying sodium formate with sulfuric acid.
②Formic acid can also be produced by oxidizing methanol or formaldehyde under certain conditions.
[Safety and Protection]Formic acid is a first-class organic acidic corrosive substance, hazardous regulation number: 92001. It is packed in plastic barrels, with a net weight of 25kg per barrel. Do not coexist with ammonia, sulfuric acid or oxidizing agents. There should be “corrosive goods” and “poisonous goods” signs on the packaging. Store in a cool, ventilated and dry place. Formic acid is a flammable liquid with an explosion limit of 18% -57%.
Formic acid is soluble in fat and can be absorbed through the skin. The vapor is strongly irritating to the eyes, and the irritation to mucous membranes is similar to that of inorganic strong acids. If the skin comes into contact with formic acid, rinse immediately with plenty of water or wash with a baking soda solution with a concentration of about 2%.
