Description

Description:

Properties
Molecular formula CH2O2
Molar mass *6.*3 g mol1
Appearance Colorless, fuming liquid
Density 1.*2 g/mL, liquid
Melting point 8.4 C, **2 K, *7 F

Boiling point **0.8 C, **4 K, **3 F

Solubility in water Miscible
Acidity (pka) 3.*7 [1]
Viscosity 1.*7 CP at *6 C

A major use of formic acid is as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. In Europe, formic acid is applied on fresh hay or other silage to promote the fermentation of lactic acid and to suppress the formation of butyric acid; it also allows fermentation to occur quickly, and at a lower temperature, reducing the loss of nutritional value.[2] Formic acid arrests certain decay processes and causes the feed to retain its nutritive value longer, and so it is widely used to preserve winter feed for cattle.[citation needed] In the poultry industry, it is sometimes added to feed to kill E. coli bacteria.[8][9] Formic acid is also used in the production of textiles and leather because of its acidic nature. It is also used as a coagulant in the production of rubber.[2]

Formic acid is also used in place of mineral acids for various cleaning products, [2] such as limescale remover and toilet bowl cleaner. Some formate esters are artificial flavorings or perfumes.

Beekeepers use formic acid as a miticide against the tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi) and the Varroa mite.[*0]

The use of formic acid in fuel cells is also under investigation.

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