Formic acid . Also called methanoic acid , is an organic acid of one atom of carbon , with the simplest of organic acids. Its formula is H – COOH (CH 2 O 2 ), the carboxyl group is what gives the acidic properties to the molecule.
Summary
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- 1 Physical properties
- 2 Chemical properties
- 3 Applications
- 4 Risks
- 1 Ingestion
- 2 Inhalation
- 3 Skin
- 4 Eyes
- 5 Sources
Physical properties
- It is a liquid acid
- Colorless
- Irritating odor
- Boiling point of 100.7 ° C
- Melting point of 8.4 ° C
Chemical properties
- The pK aof formic acid is 3.75. Taking into account that the pH generally varies between 0 and 14 (7 being neutral pH) we could say that formic, despite being an acid of natural origin, is relatively strong.
- Soluble in water, as its carbon chainis very short and easily ionizable.
- 79 D dipole moment
Applications
- In pharmaceutical industry.
- In the pesticide industry like Triazolone, Disinfest.
- In the chemical industry.
- In the leather industry.
- In the Textile industry.
- In the rubber industry.
- In acid cleaning of steel production.
- Making the pulp of the paper.
- As a disinfectant.
Risks
Ingestion
- Sore throat.
- Burning sensation of the digestive tract
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting.
Inhalation
- Burning sensation.
- Cough, shortness of breath.
- Symptoms of non-immediate effects.
Skin
- Redness, pain.
- Serious skin burns.
Eyes
- Redness
- Blurry vision.
- Serious deep burns.