Formic Acid

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid with a formula HCOOH or CH2O2. The systematic IUPAC name of this product is Methanoic acid.
Formate is an intermediate in normal metabolism. It takes part in the metabolism of one-carbon compounds and its carbon may appear in methyl groups undergoing transmethylation. It is eventually oxidized to carbon dioxide. Formate is typically produced as a byproduct in the production of acetate. It is responsible for both metabolic acidosis and disrupting mitochondrial electron transport and energy production by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase activity, the terminal electron acceptor of the electron transport chain. Cell death from cytochrome oxidase inhibition by formate is believed to result partly from the depletion of ATP, reducing energy concentrations so that essential cell functions cannot be maintained. Furthermore, inhibition of cytochrome oxidase by formate may also cause cell death by increased production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) secondary to the blockade of the electron transport chain. In nature, formic acid is found in the stings and bites of many insects of the order Hymenoptera, including bees and ants. The principal use of this substance is as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. When sprayed on fresh hay or other silage, it arrests certain decay processes and causes the feed to retain its nutritive value longer.

Physical and Chemical properties 

Formic Acid Applications

Industrial

One of the most common industrial uses of formic acid is in the production of leather. Because it is so acidic, Methanoic acid. has proven itself to be perfect for use in this fashion. Although it is most frequently used in leather production, other industries currently use this substance in the process of dyeing and finishing textiles. It is also commonly used as a coagulant in many rubber manufacturing processes.
In addition to its use in the leather, textile and rubber industries, derivatives of CH2O2 have recently been developed to help fight slippery road conditions in countries such as Austria and Switzerland. These countries, which fight bitter winters and very dangerous roads, are now using formates, which are the salts that are derived from Methanoic acid. Not only are these formates more effective than traditional salt treatments, they are also more environmentally friendly. When used properly, formates can greatly increase the gripping ability of otherwise slick surfaces, as well as promote the removal of these surfaces with machines and other technologies.
Agriculture
Agriculture accounts for a very high percentage of this substance use worldwide. Because of its natural antibacterial properties, this substance has achieved very high use as both an antibacterial preservative and pesticide. In this industry, it is most commonly used as a food additive, and is frequently added to animal feed and silage. When it is used in silage, it serves a dual function. In addition to providing a certain level of antibacterial support, this product actually allows silage to begin fermentation at a lower temperature, greatly reducing the overall time that it takes to produce while increasing the nutritional value of the finished product.
Precautions
Depending on how concentrated it is, it can either be unnoticeable or very dangerous. Through the course of our typical interaction with this chemical, we are exposed only to very low concentrations. Because of this, there is very little to fear. If exposed at high concentrations, however, there are many dangerous side effects that can occur. The most dangerous aspect of this substance is its highly corrosive nature when in a concentrated form. Because it is so corrosive, highly concentrated amounts of formic acid can lead to serious injury if it is inhaled, swallowed or touched directly. This includes ulcers, nausea, burns, blisters and extreme discomfort around the affected area. Although it is not likely except under special situations, high concentrations of Methanoic acid should be avoided altogether.
Interesting Facts
Because of its versatile role in our lives and in nature,it is a very fascinating substance. Aside from its practical uses in agriculture, industry and insect protective mechanisms, this substance also results in some very interesting effects and interactions. Among these is its role in the digestive system of the anteater. In contrast with most mammals, an anteater’s stomach contains no hydrochloric acid, the primary chemical used for digestion in humans. Because of the high concentration of ants in its diets, the anteater derives all of the digestive juices it needs from the CH2O2 found in the ants that it eats.

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