Formic acid (also called methanoic acid) is the simplest carboxylic acid. Its chemical formula is HCOOH or HCO2H. It is an important intermediate inchemical synthesis and occurs naturally, most notably in the venom of bee and ant stings. In fact, its name comes from theLatin word for ant, formica, referring to its early isolation by thedistillation of ant bodies. Esters, salts, and the anion derived from formic acid are referred to as formates.
Formic acid is a colorless liquid having a highly pungent, penetrating odor[2] at room temperature. It is miscible withwater and most polar organic solvents, and is somewhat soluble in hydrocarbons. In hydrocarbons and in the vapor phase, it consists of hydrogen-bonded dimers rather than individual molecules.[3][4]Owing to its tendency to hydrogen-bond, gaseous formic acid does not obey theideal gas law.[4] Solid formic acid (twopolymorphs) consists of an effectively endless network of hydrogen-bonded formic acid molecules. This relatively complicated compound also forms a low-boiling azeotrope with water (22.4%) and liquid formic acid also tends to supercool.
Formic acid is a colorless liquid having a highly pungent, penetrating odor[2] at room temperature. It is miscible withwater and most polar organic solvents, and is somewhat soluble in hydrocarbons. In hydrocarbons and in the vapor phase, it consists of hydrogen-bonded dimers rather than individual molecules.[3][4]Owing to its tendency to hydrogen-bond, gaseous formic acid does not obey theideal gas law.[4] Solid formic acid (twopolymorphs) consists of an effectively endless network of hydrogen-bonded formic acid molecules. This relatively complicated compound also forms a low-boiling azeotrope with water (22.4%) and liquid formic acid also tends to supercool.