Acidum formicum
Formic or methanoic acid is a monobasic carboxylic acid isolated in the 17th century from the glands of ants. It is also synthesized by bees and silkworm caterpillars.
Found in nettles, herbs and brushwood of needles, some fruits, in biological secretions of animals and humans, in mineral water (Brückenau and Marienbad).
The meteorites that have reached the Earth have inclusions of methane acid, which may serve as evidence of its very ancient origin and direct influence on the origin and genetic diversity of organic life in the Universe. Its influence on the chromosomal apparatus of cells has been experimentally confirmed.
Due to the rapidly growing demand, formic acid is not commercially available from natural sources. It is secreted in various chemical ways.
Formic acid as a strong oxidant, its esters and salts (formates) are very widespread in various sectors of the modern economy.
Synonyms and international names
ENG:Acidum formicum, Metane acid; hydrogene carbonic acid
Application
Basically, formic acid is used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in feed preparation. Formic acid slows down the processes of decay and decay, so that hay and silage treated with formic acid last longer.
Formic acid is also used in mordant dyeing of wool, to combat parasites in beekeeping, as a solvent in some chemical reactions, as bleach in leather tanning, etc.
Formic acid is used in mordant dyeing, for decalcification of leather in preparation for tanning, in the production of some catalysts (for example, containing nickel), for the synthesis of esters, formamide, dimethylformamide, when preserving juices, etc.
Packaging
Formic acid is available in 25 kg canisters, 250 kg drums, 1200 kg IBC containers.