Properties

Formic acid is a colorless, toxic liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Its chemical formula is HCOOH and its systematic IUPAC name is methanoic acid. Some key properties include:
- Boiling Point: 100.8°C
- Melting Point: 8.4°C
- Molecular Weight: 46.03 g/mol
- Density: 1.22 g/cm3
- Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, ether, and other organic solvents.

Uses

It has a wide range of industrial uses due to its properties as a weak organic acid and dissolving agent. Some major uses include:
- Silage Preservative: Itis commonly used as a preservative and acidifier for silage fed to livestock. It inhibits the growth of harmful molds and bacteria.
- Rubber Processing: It is used as a retardant and cross-linking agent in the vulcanization of rubber. It interacts with sulfur to control the vulcanization rate.
- Leather Tanning: In the leather tanning industry, Itis utilized to tan hides into leather. It aids in loosening hair and softening hides.
- Textile Processing: It acts as a mold inhibitor and determines shrinkage in the mercerization of cotton textiles. Itis also used in dyeing, printing and finishing of textiles.

Household and Other Uses

Besides industrial applications, it has various other commercial and household uses:
- Natural Pesticide: Horticultural formulations containing Formic Acid are commonly used as natural pesticides against soft-bodied insects like aphids, spider mites and whiteflies.
- Preservative: Being antibacterial and antifungal, Itfinds use as a preservative for cut flowers, silage and animal feed.
- Cleaning Agent: Household cleaners may contain small amounts of it for its acidity and cleaning abilities. It aids in removal of stains, soap scum and hard water spots.
- De-icing: Calcium/sodium formate brines are utilized as non-corrosive and environmentally-friendly de-icing solutions for roads, runways and aircraft surfaces in freezing weather conditions.

Production and Global  

Formic acid is commercially manufactured by two main processes - carbonylation of methanol or oxidation of methyl formate. Global production capacity is over 650 kilotons annually. China is currently the largest producer and consumer of formic acid globally. The USA and Western Europe are other major  s. Key end-use industries driving the demand include silage additives, leather, textiles, rubber and pest management products. The global formic acid   is projected to grow at around 4-5% annually till 2025.

Formic acid is an important industrial chemical that finds diverse applications in sectors such as agriculture, leather, rubber, textiles and cleaning due to its acidity, solvent and antifungal properties. Its global   is steadily expanding with increased demand from silage preservation and natural pest control products. Formic acid will continue to be a versatile building block chemical for various industries.

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