Performic Acid

Miscible with alcohol, ether; soluble in benzene, chloroform

Miscible with water

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes

Solutions are unstable

Explodes when shocked or heated or in contact with reducing materials, metals, and metalic oxides

Unstable and shock-sensitive. 80% solution is explosive. Extremely dangerous when moved.

On distillation, prone to explode on contact with metals and reducing agents.

Violent reaction with carbon, red phosphorus, silicon, formaldehyde, benzaldehyde, aniline, alkenes. Self-reactive. Incompatible with metals, nonmetals, organic materials.

Solutions unstable even at room temperature. Distillation is extremely dangerous. Metals or metal oxides: explosions result on contact with /nickel/ powder. /Mercury/, colloidal /silver/, thallium powder, /zinc/ powder, /lead oxide, lead tetroxide/, and /sodium peroxide/; violent decomposition occurs with barium peroxide, /copper oxide/, impure /chromium trioxide/, iridium dioxide, /lead dioxide, manganese dioxide/ and /vanadium(V) oxide/, and with /iron/ powder contaminated with a trace of /manganese dioxide/. Nonmetals: violent oxidation occurs with /carbon/, red phosphorus, and /silicon/ contaminated with a trace of /manganese dioxide/. Organic materials: violent reaction with formaldehyde, benzaldehyde, and aniline; vigorous reaction with alkenes. Decomposes explosively in the presence of /sodium nitrate/.

/LABORATORY QUANTITIES/ Wear a face shield, goggles, nitrile rubber gloves, and a laboratory coat. Cover the spill with a 1:1:1 mixture by weight of sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate, clay cat litter (bentonite), and sand. Using a plastic scoop, shovel the mixture into a plastic container and transport to the fume hood. Slowly add to a pail of cold water. Avoid contact with metal. To the aqueous solution, add an ice-cold concentrated aqueous solution of sodium bisulfite until a drop of the mixture on starch-iodide paper does not produce a blue color. Test the pH of the solution and neutralize with 5% aqueous hydrochloric acid or sodium carbonate as appropriate. Decant the solution to the drain. Treat the solid residue as normal refuse.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

/LABORATORY QUANTITIES/ Wear eye protection, nitrile rubber gloves, and a laboratory coat. In the fume hood behind a shield, add to sufficient cold water to give a 5% solution of performic acid. Slowly add 20% aqueous sodium bisulfite solution until a drop of the mixture on starch-iodide paper does not produce a blue color.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that peroxyformic acid is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The estimated pKa of peroxyformic acid is 7.77(3), indicating that this compound will partially exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of peroxyformic acid from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.9X10-6 atm- cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(5). Peroxyformic acid is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 78 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(6). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC,2010).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that peroxyformic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.9X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 15 and 110 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of -1.62(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2010).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), peroxyformic acid, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 78 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase peroxyformic 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 4 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 4.0X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Peroxyformic acid contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of peroxyformic acid can be estimated to be 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that peroxyformic acid is expected to have very high mobility in soil. The estimated pKa of peroxyformic acid is 7.77(3), indicating that this compound will partially exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).

/ALTERNATIVE and IN VITRO TESTS/ Since performic acid is used as a potent disinfectant, chemical sterilant and/or skin antiseptics, information related to its toxicity for living tissues was needed to evaluate the degree of its biotolerance and compare it to that of peracetic acid. In tests on cultured HEp-2 cells distinct cytotoxic effects occurred after treatments with 0.05% and higher concentrations. The 0.005% to 0.000,05% concentrations had only minor effects on the morphology of cells, if passaged they were capable of further growth, but were clearly inhibited in their growth ability. The lowest concentration tested (0.000005%) had no appreciable effect on HEp-2 cells. At the same concentration levels, the cells were affected to a greater degree with performic acid than with peracetic acid treatment ...

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for peroxyformic acid(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of -1.62(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for the neutral species of peroxyformic acid is estimated as 1.9X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that peroxyformic acid is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 15 days(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 110 days(SRC). Peroxyformic acid's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Peroxyformic acid is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 78 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(3).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of peroxyformic acid with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 4.0X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 4 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). A base-catalyzed second-order hydrolysis rate constant of 2.8X10+4 L/mole-sec(SRC) was estimated using a structure estimation method(2); this corresponds to half-lives of 4 minutes and 24 seconds at pH values of 7 and 8, respectively(2). Peroxyformic acid contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3) and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Peroxyformic acid's production and use as a chemical agent for oxidation, epoxidation, and hydroxylation reactions may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 78 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates peroxyformic acid will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase peroxyformic acid will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4 days. Peroxyformic acid contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, peroxyformic acid is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 1. The estimated pKa of peroxyformic acid is 7.77, indicating that this compound will partially exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.9X10-6 atm-cu m/mole. Peroxyformic acid may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Biodegradation data were not available. If released into water, peroxyformic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 15 and 110 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. A base-catalyzed second-order hydrolysis rate constant of 2.8X10+4 L/mole-sec was estimated; this corresponds to half-lives of 4 minutes and 24 seconds at pH values of 7 and 8, respectively. Occupational exposure to peroxyformic acid may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where peroxyformic acid is produced or used. (SRC)

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Inorganic acids and related compounds/

/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist respirations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. Activated charcoal is not effective. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Do not attempt to neutralize because of exothermic reaction. Cover skin burns with dry, sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Inorganic acids and related compounds/

/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Early intubation, at the first sign of upper airway obstruction, may be necessary. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's(LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Inorganic acids and related compounds/

Oxidation, epoxidation, and hydroxylation reactions.

In the production of chemical pulps

A potent oxidizing agent for disinfection, to oxidize the cell membrane of microorganism

Performic acid, or PFA (CH(2)O(3)), is a well-known oxidizing agent and disinfectant in the medical field and food industry. It has recently become available on a commercial scale for potential use in wastewater disinfection. This study investigated its application to an advanced primary effluent which is recalcitrant to disinfection by UV and peracetic acid (PAA). Methods were developed for determining PFA concentrations in stock solutions as well as in residual concentrations in the wastewater. Batch and continuous-flow pilot studies showed a correlation between log fecal coliform removals and PFA doses. A PFA dose of approximately 3.4 mg/L and a contact time of 45 minutes could achieve 3-logs removal, and almost total disinfection could be achieved using a dose of 6 mg/L. The by-products of PFA addition are hydrogen peroxide and formic acid (CHOOH), neither of which is considered to be toxic to aquatic fauna at the doses required for disinfection.

Under the experimental conditions chosen by the authors, it was demonstrated that the antiviral activity of performic acid against Coxsackie virus B 1 is greater than that of peracetic acid.