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Formic acid

CAS Number
64-18-6
EC Number
200-579-1
Chemical Formula
CH2O2
Molecular Weight
46.025 g/mol

Description

Formic acid (CAS 64-18-6 ), also known by its E-number E236 , is the simplest carboxylic acid and a commercially significant organic acid used across industrial, agricultural, and food applications. It functions as a pH regulator, preservative, and processing aid depending on the sector, and its reducing character makes it useful in catalytic and chemical synthesis contexts. In leather and textile processing, formic acid controls bath pH during dyeing and tanning, directly affecting color uptake and hide quality. This ensures consistent results in large-scale manufacturing. Silage preservation and animal feed acidification represent major agricultural volume, where it inhibits microbial spoilage and extends shelf life without requiring heat treatment or complex additives. Food and beverage producers use it as an approved acidulant and preservative, particularly in baked goods, beverages, and dairy applications. It is a versatile tool for maintaining product stability. In pharmaceuticals and water treatment, it serves as a pH-adjusting agent and intermediate in synthesis. Its chelating capacity supports scale and metal ion control in process water systems. Formic acid is supplied as an aqueous liquid, with 85% and 94% concentrations being the most commercially standard. Food-grade material is available to FCC and E236 specifications. Technical-grade product covers industrial and agricultural end uses where high purity is less critical. Bulk supply is typical in IBC containers and road tankers for efficient logistics. Contact us for supply of Formic acid Request Quote

Other Names (Synonyms)

methoic acid | methanoic acid | hydrogen carboxylic acid | HCOOH | HCO2H | formylic acid | aminic acid | Bilorin | E236

Key Technical Features

  • High Purity Grade standard
  • Consistent Batch Quality
  • Full Regulatory & REACH Support
  • Global Logistics Network enabled

Physical Properties

Melting Point8.4 °C
Boiling Point100.5 °C
Density1.220 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point133 °F
AppearanceColorless, fuming liquid
penetrating odor. strong reducing agent. Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Combustible.
ColorAPHA: ≤15
Odorat 0.10 % in water. pungent vinegar formyl
FormLiquid
Water SolubilityMISCIBLE
Vapor Pressure52 mm Hg ( 37 °C)
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.377
pH2.2 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P-0.540

Safety & Handling

Danger
GHS02· FlammableGHS05· CorrosiveGHS06· ToxicGHS07· IrritantGHS08· Health Hazard

Hazard Statements

H226Flammable liquid and vapor
H290May be corrosive to metals
H302Harmful if swallowed
H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318Causes serious eye damage
H331Toxic if inhaled
H332Harmful if inhaled
H335May cause respiratory irritation
H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
H370Causes damage to organs
H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H373May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H402Harmful to aquatic life

Precautionary Statements

P203Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233Keep container tightly closed.
P234Keep only in original packaging.
P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241Use explosion-proof equipment.
P242Use non-sparking tools.
P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P273Avoid release to the environment.
P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P318IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
P319Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
P321Specific treatment (see … on this label).
P330Rinse mouth.
P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P390Absorb spillage to prevent material damage.
P405Store locked up.
P406Store in a corrosion-resistant/… container with a resistant inner liner.
P501Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.
P265Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P378Use … for extinction.
P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
P331Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P354IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P353IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29151100
UN Number1198
ADR Class3
Packing GroupIII
Storage Class3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany)2