Formic Acid

Chemical Description

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid and occurs naturally. It was first isolated from distillation of certain venomous ants and is also found in bee venom. It is a colorless, fuming liquid with a strong smell that is miscible in water, ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, and methanol.

Common Industrial Uses of Formic Acid

Formic acid is commonly used in the  Oil & Gas Industry as a corrosion inhibitor in the hydraulic fracturing process.

Formic acid is an efficient organic acid that is environmentally friendly and used in many different applications. In livestock feed, it is an effective preservative and antibacterial agent that prevents reduction of nutritional value.

The leather and textile processing industries use formic acid for tanning and dye fixing as well as a neutralizing agent and pH adjuster.

Formic acid is added to cleaning products and perfumes, and is used as a miticide in bees and as wart remover in humans.

Formic Acid in the Oil & Gas Industry

Chemical Formula

  • HCOOH

CAS No.

  • 64-18-6

Minimum Order Quantity

(40,000 pounds)

Note: CCUSA is a wholesale industrial and commercial bulk chemical supplier.

Safety Considerations

The concentrated form of formic acid is flammable and corrosive to metals and skin. Contact with the pure form will cause skin blisters. It is an irritant to mucous membranes and personal protection equipment such as respirators, eye shields, and gloves should be worn when handling and using pure formic acid. Diluted formic acid has low toxicity and is safe for ingestion with no ill effects.

Common Names / Also Known as:

  • Methanoic acid
  • Formylic acid
  • Aminic acid
  • Hydrogen carboxylic acid
  • Bilorin
  • Formisoton
  • Formira
  • Myrmicyl

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