Formic acid

Molecular Structure of Formic acid (CAS NO.64-18-6):

Empirical Formula: CH₂O₂
Molecular Weight: 46.0254
IUPAC Name: formic acid
H bond acceptors: 2
H bond donors: 1
Freely Rotating Bonds: 0
Polar Surface Area: 26.3 Å²
Index of Refraction: 1.342
Molar Refractivity: 8.4 cm³
Molar Volume: 39.8 cm³
Surface Tension: 35.8 dyne/cm
Index of Refraction: 1.342
Surface Tension: 35.8 dyne/cm
Density: 1.154 g/cm³
Flash Point: 29.9 °C
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 22.69 kJ/mol
Boiling Point: 100.6 °C at 760 mmHg
Vapour Pressure: 36.5 mmHg at 25°C
FEMA: 2487
Water Solubility: Miscible
Sensitive: Hygroscopic
Storage temp: 2-8°C
Merck: 14,4241
BRN: 1209246
InChI
InChI=1/CH2O2/c2-1-3/h1H,(H,2,3)
Smiles
C(O)=O
Stability: Stable. Substances to be avoided include strong bases, strong oxidizing agents and powdered metals, furfuryl alcohol. Combustible. Hygroscopic. Pressure may build up in tightly closed bottles, so bottles should be opened carefully and vented periodically.
Classification Code: Human Data; Mutation data; Skin / Eye Irritant; Tumor data
Synonyms of Formic acid (CAS NO.64-18-6): Aldehyde c1 ; formaldehyde solution ; formaldehydi ; formalin, carsons ; formaldehyde developing solution ; formalin, neutral ; formalin neutral buffer ; formalin, neutral buffered

 Some alchemists and naturalists were aware that ant hills gave off an acidic vapor as early as the 15th century. The English naturalist,John Ray was the first person to describe the isolation of this substance (by the distillation of large numbers of ants) in 1671. Ants secrete the formic acid for attack and defense purposes. 
  The French chemist Joseph Gay-Lussac, first synthesized formic acid from hydrocyanic acid . In 1855, another French chemist, Marcellin Berthelot, developed a synthesis from carbon monoxide that is similar to that used today. In the late 1960s, significant quantities of it became available as a byproduct of acetic acid production.

 The main use of formic acid is as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. Formic acid (CAS NO.64-18-6) also can be used in other fields:
1.To process organic latex (sap) into raw rubber.
2.Used in the textile industry and for the tanning of leather.  
3.Beekeepers use formic acid as a miticide against the Tracheal (Acarapis woodi) mite and the Varroa mite.
4.Some formate esters are artificial flavorings or perfumes.
5.It is used in laboratories as a solvent modifier for HPLC separations of proteins and peptides, especially when the sample is being prepared for mass spectrometry analysis.
6.In 2006 researchers of EPFL, Switzerland, reported the use of formic acid as a hydrogen storage material.
7.Formic acid is often used as a source of hydride ion in synthetic organic chemistry.
8.In the laboratory, formic acid is also used as source for carbon monoxide.

 Formic acid (CAS NO.64-18-6) is often  produced as a byproduct in the manufacture of other chemicals, especially acetic acid. But This production is insufficient to meet the present demand for formic acid. In the laboratory, formic acid can be obtained by heating oxalic acid in anhydrous glycerol and extraction by steam distillation. Another preparation (it must be performed under a fume hood) is the acid hydrolysis of ethyl isonitrile using HCl solution: C₂H₅NC + 2H₂O → C₂H₅NH₂ + HCOOH

Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory.

 Poison by inhalation, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes. Moderately toxic by ingestion. Mutation data reported. Corrosive. A skin and severe eye irritant. A substance migrating to food from packaging materials. Combustible liquid when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Explosive reaction with furfuryl alcohol, H₂O₂, Tl(NO₃)₃•3H₂O, nitromethane, P₂O₅. To fight fire, use CO₂, dry chemical, alcohol foam. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Hazard Codes: TC,Xi
Risk Statements: 23/24/25-34-40-43-35-36/38
R23/24/25: Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. 
R34: Causes burns. 
R40: Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. 
R43: May cause sensitization by skin contact. 
R35: Causes severe burns. 
R36/38: Irritating to eyes and skin.
Safety Statements: 36/37-45-26-23-36/37/39
S36/37: Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves. 
S45: In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible.) 
S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. 
S23: Do not breathe vapour. 
S36/37/39: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.
RIDADR: UN 1198 3/PG 3
WGK Germany: 2
RTECS: LP8925000
F: 10
HazardClass: 8
PackingGroup: II

OSHA PEL: TWA 5 ppm
ACGIH TLV: 5 ppm; STEL 10 ppm
DFG MAK: 5 ppm (9.5 mg/m³)
DOT Classification:  8; Label: Corrosive

 For occupational chemical analysis use OSHA: #ID-112 or NIOSH: Formic Acid S173.

 Formic acid (CAS NO.64-18-6) is a flammable colorless fuming liquid with a strong irritating smell, it is soluble in water, ethanol and ether, slightly soluble in benzene. Burning will produce nitrogen oxides emitted toxic fumes. Besides should be stored and transported in low-temperature, drying environment. Separately with bases, oxidizing agents, H hair pore-forming agent, cyanide, sand, water mist, carbon dioxide would be used if emergency.