About formic acid

Formic acid is one of the basic organic chemical raw materials, widely used in pesticides, leather, textiles, printing and dyeing, pharmaceuticals, and rubber industries. It can also be used to produce various solvents, plasticizers, rubber coagulants, animal feed additives, and new processes for synthesizing insulin.

The common contents of formic acid include 85%, 90%, 94%, and 99%, with 85% formic acid being widely used.

Formic acid is commonly used as a substitute for inexpensive, less volatile and corrosive inorganic acids, and is widely used in the light industry.

In the textile and printing and dyeing industries, formic acid is used as an agent to eliminate the nitrite gas generated by the sodium nitrite method, as a dyeing aid for weak acid dyes and neutral complex dyes, and as a dyeing aid for reactive dyes dyeing nylon. Formic acid will not remain on the fabric during the printing and dyeing process. It is more acidic than acetic acid and can reduce hexavalent chromium, thus improving the utilization rate of dyes in the chromium mordant dyeing process. Replacing sulfuric acid with formic acid can avoid cellulose degradation, and the acidity is moderate, making it an excellent dyeing aid.

Formic acid, as a substitute for inorganic acids, is used for decolorization, hair removal, neutralization of lime, and prevention of mold formation in wet leather. Using formic acid as a coagulant can improve the quality of natural rubber, reduce production costs, and also be used for the regeneration of waste rubber. The use of formic acid as a feed additive has great potential in silage feed.

Formic acid has the function of inhibiting or preventing mold growth, and can change the natural fermentation form of feed. Fatty acids are often added to enhance the anti mold effect. Feeding cows with formic acid treated green feed can prevent milk production from decreasing in winter, and the fattening effect is also significantly improved.

In the food industry, formic acid is used for disinfection and preservation in the brewing industry, as a cleaning disinfectant for canned goods, and as a preservative for fruit juices and food.

Physical and chemical properties of formic acid
Density 1.2 ± 0.1 g/cm3
Boiling point 100.6 ± 9.0 ° C at 760 mmHg
Melting point 8.2-8.4 ° C (lit.)
Molecular formula CH2O2
Molecular weight 46.025
Flash point 29.9 ± 13.4 ° C
Accurate quality 46.005478
PSA 37.30000
LogP -0.54
Appearance: Colorless liquid with a pungent odor
Steam density 1.03 (vs air)
Steam pressure 36.5 ± 0.2 mmHg at 25 ° C
Refractive index 1.342