Formic acid
Exceptional Solvent Properties and Versatility
Its complete miscibility with water and solubility in ethanol and ether make it an effective medium for textile dyeing, leather treatment, and rubber coagulation processes.
Efficacy as a Biopreservative
The compound's low pH (2.38 at 100mM) and inherent antimicrobial activity contribute to shelf-life extension in silage and food products, supported by its regulatory approval (FEMA 2487).
Environmental Compatibility
It undergoes rapid environmental degradation as the simplest carboxylic acid, a property leveraged in the formulation of "green" cleaning agents.
Practical Storage and Transportation
It exists as a liquid at ambient conditions (Melting Point: 8.4°C) and possesses a moderate flash point of 56°C. The substance remains stable under refrigeration (2-8°C) and is shipped in standard containers (UN 1198, PG II).
A colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid that releases flammable vapors and possesses a pungent odor. It is miscible with water and ethanol, soluble in diethyl ether, and only sparingly soluble in benzene.
Melting point | 8.2-8.4 °C (lit.) |
Boiling point | 100-101 °C (lit.) |
density | 1.22 g/mL at 25 °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 |
Fp | 133 °F |
storage temp. | 2-8°C |
solubility | H2O: soluble1g/10 mL, clear, colorless |
pka | 3.75(at 20℃) |
form | 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 | at 0.10 % in water. pungent vinegar formyl |
Odor Type | acetic |
biological source | synthetic |
explosive limit | 12-38%(V) |
Water Solubility | MISCIBLE |
Sensitive | Hygroscopic |
λmax | λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.03 |
Merck | 14,4241 |
JECFA Numbr | 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 | TLV-TWA 5 ppm (～9 mg/m3) (ACGIH, MSHA, OSHA, and NIOSH); IDLH 100 ppm (180 mg/m3) (NIOSH). |
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. |
InChIKey | BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
LogP | -0.540 |
CAS DataBase Reference | 64-18-6(CAS DataBase Reference) |
NIST Chemistry Reference | Formic acid(64-18-6) |
EPA Substance Registry Systm | Formic acid (64-18-6) |
Safety Information
Hazard Codes | T,C,Xi |
Risk Statements | 23/24/25-34-40-43-35-36/38-10 |
Safety Statements | 36/37-45-26-23-36/37/39 |
RIDADR | UN 1198 3/PG 3 |
OEB | B |
OEL | TWA: 5 ppm (9 mg/m3) |
WGK Germany | 2 |
RTECS | LP8925000 |
F | 10 |
Autoignition Temperature | 1004 °F |
TSCA | Yes |
HazardClass | 8 |
PackingGroup | II |
HS Code | 29151100 |
Hazardous Substances Data | 64-18-6(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | LD50 in mice (mg/kg): 1100 orally; 145 i.v. (Malorny) |
IDLA | 30 ppm |
