HuagongsheHuagongshe Chemistry Print Report · For research reference only
Formic Acid
HCOOH · jiasuan · formic · METHANONE · FORMALDEHYDE SOLUTION · Methanoic acid · FORMOL · Acide formique
Identifiers & Physical Properties
| CAS No. | 64-18-6 |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | CH2O2 |
| Average molar mass | 46.025 g/mol |
| Monoisotopic mass | 46.0054793 g/mol |
| SMILES | O=CO |
| InChIKey | BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| PubChem CID | 284 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL116736 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:30751 |
| EC No. | 200-579-1 |
| DTXSID | DTXSID2024115 |
Chemical & Physical Properties
| XLogP | -0.2 |
|---|---|
| Topological polar surface area | 37.3 |
| Hydrogen bond donors | 1 |
| Hydrogen bond acceptors | 2 |
| Rotatable bonds | 0 |
| Heavy atoms | 3 |
| Formal charge | 0 |
| Complexity | 10.3 |
| Chemical classes | Other Classes -> Organic AcidsCorrosives |
| Cosmetics | Cosmetic ingredients (Formic Acid) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review)Preservative |
| Fragrances | Fragrance Ingredient (Formic acid) -> IFRA transparency List |
| Pesticides | Pesticide -> EPA IRISInsecticidesActive substance -> EU Pesticides database: Not approved |
| LogP (partition coefficient) | log Kow = -0.54 |
| Odor | Pungent, penetrating odorat 0.10 % in water. pungent vinegar formyl |
| Taste | SOUR |
| Food additives | FLAVOR ENHANCER, FLAVORING AGENT OR ADJUVANT, FORMULATION AID -> FDA Substance added to food |
| Density | 1.22 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than waterwill sink1.220 at 20 °C/4 °CBulk density 10.16 lb/gal at 20 °CRelative density of the vapor/air mixture at 20 °C (air = 1): 1.03Relative density (water = 1): 1.2 (20 °C)1.22 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Flavoring agents | EU Flavoring substances |
| Viscosity | 1.607 mPas at 25 °C1.5 mm²/s |
| Color/Form | Colorless fuming liquidColorless liquid [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution] |
| Melting point | 8.2-8.4 °C (lit.) |
| Boiling point | 100-101 °C (lit.) |
| Vapor density | 1.03 (vs air) |
| Vapor pressure | 52 mm Hg ( 37 °C) |
| Refractive index | n20/D 1.377 |
| FEMA | 2487 | FORMIC ACID |
| FLAVIS Number | 08.001 | Formic acid |
| Flash point | 133 °F |
| Storage conditions | 2-8°C |
| Solubility | H2O: soluble1g/10 mL, clear, colorlessMISCIBLE |
| pKa (acidity coefficient) | 3.75(at 20℃) |
| Physical state | Liquid |
| Specific gravity | 1.216 (20℃/20℃) |
| Color | APHA: ≤15 |
| pH | 3.47(1 mM solution)2.91(10 mM solution)2.38(100 mM solution) |
| Odor type | acetic |
| Biological source | synthetic |
| Explosive limits | 12-38%(V) |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.265 W/(m·K) at 25 ℃ |
| Specific heat capacity | Cp(liquid): 2.15 J/(g·K), at 25℃ |
| Sensitivity | Hygroscopic |
| λmax | λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.03λ: 280 nm Amax: 0.01 |
| Merck | 14,4241 |
| JECFA Number | 79 |
| BRN | 1209246 |
| Henry's law constant | At 25 °C: 95.2, 75.1, 39.3, 10.7, and 3.17 at pH values of 1.35, 3.09, 4.05, 4.99, and 6.21, respectively (Hakuta et al., 1977) |
| Dielectric constant | 58.0(16℃) |
| Exposure limits | ACGIH:TLV-TWA 5 ppmOSHA:PEL-TWA 5 ppm (9 mg/m3)NIOSH:REL-TWA 5 ppm |
| Stability | Stable. Substances to be avoided include strong bases, strong oxidizing agents and powdered metals, furfuryl alcohol. Combustible. Hygroscopic. Pressure may build up in tightly closed bottles, so bottles should be opened carefully and vented periodically. |
| Major applications | sample preparation |
| Cosmetics Ingredients Functions | PRESERVATIVEpH ADJUSTERSFRAGRANCE |
| Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) | Formic acid (64-18-6) |
| InChI | 1S/CH2O2/c2-1-3/h1H,(H,2,3) |
| InChIKey | BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| SMILES | OC=O |
| LogP (partition coefficient) | -0.540 |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 64-18-6(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| SCOGS (Select Committee on GRAS Substances) | Formic acid (packaging) |
| Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) | FORMIC ACID |
| FDA 21 CFR | 172.515186.1316310.545573.480 |
| EWG's Food Scores | 1 |
| FDA UNII | 0YIW783RG1 |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | Formic acid(64-18-6) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Formic acid (64-18-6) |
| UNSPSC Code | 51113400 |
| NACRES | NB.21 |
| GHS pictogram | GHS02,GHS05,GHS06,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| GHS hazard statements | H331-H302-H314-H370-H373-H402-H226-H290 |
| GHS precautionary statements | P501-P273-P270-P240-P260-P210-P233-P234-P243-P241-P242-P271-P264-P280-P370+P378-P390-P308+P311-P303+P361+P353-P301+P330+P331-P363-P301+P312+P330-P304+P340+P310-P305+P351+P338+P310-P403+P233-P403+P235-P406-P405 |
| Hazard symbols | T,C,Xi |
| Risk statements (R) | 23/24/25-34-40-43-35-36/38-10 |
| Safety statements (S) | 36/37-45-26-23-36/37/39 |
| UN transport number | UN 1779 8/PG II (FORMIC ACID with more than 85 % acid by mass) |
| Occupational exposure band (OEB) | B |
| Occupational exposure limit (OEL) | TWA: 5 ppm (9 mg/m3) |
| Water hazard class (WGK) | 2 |
| RTECS number | LP8925000 |
| F | 10 |
| Autoignition temperature | 1004 °F |
| TSCA inventory status | TSCA listed |
| Hazard class | 8Acute Tox. 3 InhalationAcute Tox. 4 OralEye Dam. 1Flam. Liq. 3Skin Corr. 1A |
| Packing group | II |
| Customs code | 29151100 |
| Storage class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| Hazardous substances data | 64-18-6(Hazardous Substances Data) |
| Toxicity | LD50 in mice (mg/kg): 1100 orally145 i.v. (Malorny) |
| Immediately dangerous to life or health concentration | 30 ppm |
| REACH registrations | Active |
| Limited quantities | 1.0 L (0.3 gallons) (liquid) or 1 Kg (2.2 lbs) (solid) |
| Excepted quantities | Max Inner Pack (30g or 30ml) and Max Outer Pack (500g or 500ml) |
Safety & Regulations
| GHS classification | DangerH226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]P210, P233, P234, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P321, P330, P363, P370+P378, P390, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, P406, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 3384) of reports.H226 (21.1%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids] |
|---|---|
| Regulatory information | Chemical: Formic acidRegulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 (amended)Formic acid is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Formic acid are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)Status: Active Update: 01-12-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15127Formic acid with more than 85% acid by mass: HSNO Approval: HSR000979 Approved with controls |
| Other safety information | IMAP assessments - Formic acid: Environment tier I assessment |
| DOT label | Corrosive Flammable Liquid |
| Fire hazards | Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic vapor generated in fires (USCG, 1999)· Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.Flammable. Above 45 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible substances. See Chemical Dangers. |
| Fire potential | Combustible liquid when wxposed to heat or flame ... . |
| Health hazards | Liquid causes skin and eye burns. Vapors are irritating and painful to breath. Vapor exposure may cause nausea and vomiting. (USCG, 1999)· TOXIC and/or CORROSIVEinhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. |
| Hazards summary | Liquid causes second degree burns after contact for a few minutes[CHRIS] Highly corrosive to skin[Quick CPC] Pulmonary edema can result from heavy inhalation exposure[ICSC] TLV Basis is upper respiratory tract irritant |
| DOT ID and guide | 1779 1533412 153 |
| FDA requirements | Formic acid is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.The food additive, formic acid, may be safely used in accordance with the following conditions: (a) The additive is used as a preservative in hay crop silage in an amount not to exceed 2.25 percent of the silage on a dry weight basis or 0.45 percent when direct cut, as follows: (1) The top foot of silage stored should not contain formic acid and (2) Silage should not be fed to livestock within 4 weeks of treatment. (b) The additive is used or intended for use as a feed acidifying agent, to lower the pH, in complete swine feeds at levels not to exceed 1.2 percent of the complete feed. (1) The additive consists of not less than 85 percent formic acid (CAS 64-18-6). (2) The additive meets the following specifications: (i) Free methyl alcohol not to exceed 1,000 parts per million (ppm)(ii) Methyl formate not to exceed 1,000 ppmand (iii) Moisture not to exceed 15 percent.Indirect food substance additives affirmed as generally recognized as safe. (a) Formic acid (CH2O2, CAS Reg. No. 64-18-6) is also referred to as methanoic acid or hydrogen carboxylic acid. It occurs naturally in some insects and is contained in the free acid state in a number of plants. Formic acid is prepared by the reaction of sodium formate with sulfuric acid and is isolated by distillation. (b) Formic acid is used as a constituent of paper and paperboard used for food packaging. (c) The ingredient is used at levels not to exceed good manufacturing practice in accordance with part 186.1(b)(1). (d) Prior sanctions for formic acid different from the uses established in this section do not exist or have been waived.Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various uses, as described below. However, based on evidence currently available, there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for the specified uses: formic acid is included in pediculicide drug products. |
| Reactive group | Acids, Carboxylic |
| UN classification | UN Hazard Class: 8UN Pack Group: II |
| Special Reports | DHHS/NTPNTP Technical Report on Toxicity Studies of Formic Acid Administered by Inhalation to F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice NTP Tox 19 (1992)[Available from, as of April 4, 2003: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/ST_rpts/tox019.pdf]A review of the metabolism of methanol and formic acid.[Liesivuori J, Savolainen HPharm Toxicol 69 (3): 157-63 (1991)]Restani P, Galli CLCRC Crit Rev Toxicol 21 (5): 315-28 (1991). Oral toxicity of formaldehyde and its derivatives are reviewed, /including metabolic products such as formic acid/.Schramm A et alAnaesthesiol Reanim 16 (4): 259-65 (1991). A review of the methanol metabolites formaldehyde and formic acid concerning central nervous system and ocular symptoms.EPA/Office of Pollution prevention and toxicsHigh production Volume (HPV) Challenge program's Robust summaries and Test Plans.[Availible form, as of July 12, 2005: http://www.epa.gov/hpv/pubs/hpvrstp.htm] |
| Fire fighting | Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. |
| First aid measures | Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention.Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer immediately for medical attention.First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. Refer immediately for medical attention.Give nothing to drink. Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention. |
| Accidental release measures | · CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. |
| First aid | EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.General First Aid:(General first aid procedures) |
| Safe storage | Fireproof. Store only in original container. Well closed. Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids and food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. |
| Firefighting Hazards | ... Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback. Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. Containers my explode in fire. ... |
| Exposure control and personal protection | · Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).5.0 [ppm] |
| Fire fighting procedures | Use water spray, dry chemical, "alcohol resistant" foam, or carbon dioxide. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.If material on fire or involved in fire: Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. |
| Storage conditions | Store in a dry, well-ventilated place. Separate from oxidizing materials and alkaline substances.Protect against physical damage. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Outdoors or detached storage is preferred.Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids, and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.Store indoors, in original container, out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from sulphuric acid, oxidizing agents, and sources of ignition and away from the reach of children. Avoid heat, sparks, and open flames. Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas of use or storage. Use caution when opening the container, especially in warm weather, i.e.: open outdoors and stay upwind. Keep separate to prevent cross-contamination of other pesticides, fertilizer, food, or feed. /Mite-Away Quick Strips/ |
| Cleanup methods | Spill or leak procedures: Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors and protect personnel. Control runoff and isolate discharged material for proper disposal. Neutralize spill and washings with soda ash or lime.Environmental considerations--land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./. Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash or cement powder. Neutralize with agricultural lime ... crushed limestone (CaCO3) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).Environmental considerations--water spill: Neutralize with agricultural lime (CaO), crushed limestone (CaCO3) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.Environmental considerations--air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors. Vapor knockdown water is corrosive or toxic and should be diked for containment. |
| Nonfire spill response | Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: |
| Disposal methods | Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U123, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.A good candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperature range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. A good candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A good candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for formic acid: biological treatment.For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for FORMIC ACID (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
| Body burden | After the inhalation of methanol (40-160 ppm) and formic acid (2-5.5 ppm), 10 employees in the formic acid filling plant and in the production of urea formaldehyde resin showed formic acid concentrations of 21.2-118 mg/g creatinine in the urine 16 hr after exposure. |
| Target organs | Eyes, skin, respiratory system |
| Ecotoxicity values | LC50Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea)Concentration: 34 mg/L for 24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/Concentration: 34 mg/L for 48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/EC50Conditions: static, 22 °C, pH 7.0-8.2Concentration: 151.2 mg/L for 48 hrEffect: immobilizationSpecies: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill)Concentration: 175 mg/L for 24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for FORMIC ACID (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
| Environmental fate | TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.54(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that formic acid is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of formic acid is 3.75(4), indicating that this compound will primarily exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(5). Volatilization of formic acid from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 1.67X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(6). Formic acid is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 42.6 mm Hg(7). Theoretical BOD values ranging from 4.3% to 77.6% after 5 days using sewage and activated sludge inocula(8-13) indicate that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -0.54(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that formic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.67X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 150 and 1100 days, respectively(SRC). The pKa of formic acid is 3.8(5), indicating that this compound will primarily exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(6). According to a classification scheme(7), an estimated BCF of 3.2(SRC), from its log Kow -0.54(2) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Theoretical BOD values ranging from 4.3% to 77.6% after 5 days using sewage, activated sludge, fresh water, and synthetic sea water inocula(9-15) indicate that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), formic acid, which has a vapor pressure of 42.6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase formic acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC)the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 36 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 4.5X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Formic acid does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). |
| Food survey values | Formic acid is a natural constituent of some fruits, nuts, and dairy products(1). Fruit wine, desert wine, and brandies contain formic acid(2). Formic acid concentrations in wine and brandies produced from apples, pears, plums, and apricots ranged from 2.7-87 mg/L(2). Formic acid has been identified as a meat volatile(3). |
| Adverse effects | Dermatotoxin - Skin burns. |
| Exposure routes | The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact |
| Toxicity summary | The CIR Expert Panel concluded that formic acid and sodium formate are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics, as described in this safety assessment, when formulated to be non-irritating.Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications |
| Ecotoxicity excerpts | /OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ Two formic acid autumnal treatments, gel packets (BeeVar formulation) and impregnated paperwick (Liebig-Dispenser), were tested in apiary... . The total amount of formic acid administered per hive during all the treatment period was approximately 200 g for either treatment. A significantly higher adult bee mortality was recorded in the Liebig-Dispenser-treated hives compared with the BeeVar-treated group. On the contrary, BeeVar treatment produced an interruption of brood reared, whereas the extension of the sealed brood area of the Liebig-Dispenser-treated hives was not significantly different from that of the control hives. Neither queen mortality nor robbing activity was observed due to the treatments. Formic acid residues in honey collected in the nest were 3,855 +/- 2,061 and 3,030 +/- 1,624 mg/kg for the BeeVar- and the Liebig-Dispenser-treated hives, respectively. After 21 days from the end of the treatment, the residues fell to 1,261 +/- 1,054 and 794 +/- 518 mg/kg for the honey sampled from the BeeVar and Liebig-Dispenser groups, respectively. |
| Plant Concentrations | The shrub Purging Croton (Croton tiglium L.) was reported to contain formic acid in the seed at 4000 ppm(1). |
| Animal Concentrations | Formic acid is found in the red ant, Formica rufa, and has been detected in the poison or defense systems of ants, bees, and other insects(1). |
| Signs and Symptoms | Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed.Pain. Blisters. Serious skin burns.Redness. Blurred vision. Pain. Severe burns.Burns in mouth and throat. Sore throat. Abdominal cramps. Ulceration in the mouth.irritation eyesskin, throatskin burns, dermatitislacrimation (discharge of tears)rhinorrhea (discharge of thin nasal mucus)cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty)nausea |
| RCRA requirements | U123As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when formic acid, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5). |
| FIFRA requirements | The pesticide formic acid is exempted from the requirement of a tolerance in or on honey and honeycomb when used to control tracheal mites and suppress varroa mites in bee colonies, and applied in accordance with label use directions. |
| Atmospheric standards | This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Formic acid is produced, as an intermediate or final product, by process units covered under this subpart. |
| CERCLA reportable quantities | Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b). |
| Clean Water Act requirements | Formic acid is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance. |
| State drinking water guidelines | (FL) FLORIDA 14,000 ug/L |
| F | 10 |
| Occupational exposure band (OEB) | B |
| Occupational exposure limit (OEL) | TWA: 5 ppm (9 mg/m3) |
| Water hazard class (WGK) | 2 |
| Immediately dangerous to life or health concentration | 30 ppm |
| TSCA inventory status | TSCA listed |
| RTECS number | LP8925000 |
| UN transport number | UN 3412 8/PG II (FORMIC ACID with not less than 10 % but not more than 85 % acid by mass) |
| Customs code | 29151100 |
| Toxicity | LD50 in mice (mg/kg): 1100 orally145 i.v. (Malorny) |
| Risk statements (R) | 23/24/25-34-40-43-35-36/38-10 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| GHS pictogram | GHS02,GHS05,GHS06,GHS08 |
| Hazard symbols | T,C,Xi |
| Safety statements (S) | 36/37-45-26-23-36/37/39 |
| Hazard class | 8Acute Tox. 3 InhalationAcute Tox. 4 OralEye Dam. 1Flam. Liq. 3Skin Corr. 1A |
| Storage class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| Packing group | II |
| GHS hazard statements | H331-H302-H314-H370-H373-H402-H226-H290 |
| Limited quantities | 1.0 L (0.3 gallons) (liquid) or 1 Kg (2.2 lbs) (solid) |
| Excepted quantities | Max Inner Pack (30g or 30ml) and Max Outer Pack (500g or 500ml) |
| REACH registrations | Active |
| Autoignition temperature | 1004 °F |
| GHS precautionary statements | P501-P273-P270-P240-P260-P210-P233-P234-P243-P241-P242-P271-P264-P280-P370+P378-P390-P308+P311-P303+P361+P353-P301+P330+P331-P363-P301+P312+P330-P304+P340+P310-P305+P351+P338+P310-P403+P233-P403+P235-P406-P405 |
| Hazardous substances data | 64-18-6(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Applications & Uses
General Description
Formic acid (HCO2H), also called methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid. Formic acid was first isolated by the distillation of ant bodies and was named after the Latin formica, meaning “ant.” Its proper IUPAC name is now methanoic acid. Industrially, formic acid is produced by treatment of carbon monoxide with an alcohol such as methanol (methyl alcohol) in the presence of a catalyst. Formic acid is found both naturally occurring and frequently synthesized in laboratories. It is most naturally found in the stings and bites of many insects, including bees and ants, as a chemical defense mechanism. formic acid structure
Description
Formic acid is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Formic acid was first isolated from certain ants and was named after the Latin formica, meaning ant. It is made by the action of sulfuric acid on sodium formate, which is produced from carbon monoxide and sodium hydroxide. It is also produced as a by-product in the manufacture of other chemicals such as acetic acid. It can be anticipated that use of formic acid will continuously increase as it replaces inorganic acids and has a potential role in new energy technology. Formic acid toxicity is of a special interest as the acid is the toxic metabolite of methanol.
Occurrence
Widespread in a large variety of plants; reported identifed in Cistus labdanum and the oil of Artemisia trans- iliensis; also found among the constituents of petit grain lemon and bitter orange essential oil; reported found in strawberry aroma Reported found in apple, sweet cherry, papaya, pear, raspberry, strawberry, peas, cheeses, breads, yogurt, milk, cream, buttermilk, raw fsh, cognac, rum, whiskey, cider, white wine, tea, coffee and roasted chicory root
History
Formic acid is taken from the Latin word forant, formica. Naturalists had observed the acrid vapor from ant hills for hundreds of years. One of the earliest descriptions of formic acid was reported in an extract of a letter written from John Wray (1627–1705) to the publisher of Philosophical Transactions published in 1670. Wray’s letter reported on “uncommon Observations and Experiments made with an Acid Juyce to be Found in Ants” and noted the acid was previously obtained by Samuel Fisher from the dry distillation of wood ants. Formic acid is found in stinging insects, plants, unripe fruit, foods, and muscle tissue. Jns Jacob Berzelius (1779–1848) characterized formic acid in the early 19th century, and it wasfirst synthesized from hydrocyanic acid by Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac (1778–1850) at about the same time. A number of synthetic preparations of formic acid were found in the first half of the 19th century. Marcellin Berthelot (1827–1907) discovered a popular synthesis using oxalic acid and glycerin in 1856; he and several other chemists from his period found syntheses of formic acid by heating carbon monoxide in alkaline solutions.
Uses
Formic acid occurs in the stings of ants andbees. It is used in the manufacture of estersand salts, dyeing and finishing of textiles andpapers, electroplating, treatment of leather,and coagulating rubber latex, and also as areducing agent.
Uses
Formic acid has a number of commercial uses. It is used in the leather industry to degreaseand remove hair from hides and as an ingredient in tanning formulations. It is used as alatex coagulant in natural rubber production. Formic acid and its formulations are used aspreservatives of silage. It is especially valued in Europe where laws require the use of naturalantibacterial agents rather than synthetic antibiotics. Silage is fermented grass and crops thatare stored in silos and used for winter feed. Silage is produced during anaerobic fermentationwhen bacteria produce acids that lower the pH, preventing further bacterial action. Acetic acidand lactic acid are the desired acids during silage fermentation. Formic acid is used in silageprocessing to reduce undesirable bacteria and mold growth. Formic acid reduces Clostridiabacteria that would produce butyric acid causing spoilage. In addition to preventing silagespoilage, formic acid helps preserve protein content, improves compaction, and preservessugar content. Formic acid is used as a miticide by beekeepers.
General Description
Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid. Crystal structure study by single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique at -50°C has shown that it has an orthorhombic structure with space group Pna. The photodegradation of formic acid has been investigated using ab intio calculations and time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Its utility as a fuel in direct fuel cells has been studied. The momentum distribution for its monomer have been evaluated by electron momentum spectroscopy (EMS).