Description
Description:
Properties
Molecular formula CH2O2
Molar mass *6.*3 g mol1
Appearance Colorless, fuming liquid
Density 1.*2 g/mL, liquid
Melting point 8.4 C, **2 K, *7 F
Boiling point **0.8 C, **4 K, **3 F
Solubility in water Miscible
Acidity (pka) 3.*7 [1]
Viscosity 1.*7 CP at *6 C
A major use of formic acid is as a preservative and antibacterial
agent in livestock feed. In Europe, formic acid is applied on fresh
hay or other silage to promote the fermentation of lactic acid and
to suppress the formation of butyric acid; it also allows
fermentation to occur quickly, and at a lower temperature, reducing
the loss of nutritional value.[2] Formic acid arrests certain decay
processes and causes the feed to retain its nutritive value longer,
and so it is widely used to preserve winter feed for
cattle.[citation needed] In the poultry industry, it is sometimes
added to feed to kill E. coli bacteria.[8][9] Formic acid is also
used in the production of textiles and leather because of its
acidic nature. It is also used as a coagulant in the production of
rubber.[2]
Formic acid is also used in place of mineral acids for various
cleaning products, [2] such as limescale remover and toilet bowl
cleaner. Some formate esters are artificial flavorings or
perfumes.
Beekeepers use formic acid as a miticide against the tracheal mite
(Acarapis woodi) and the Varroa mite.[*0]
The use of formic acid in fuel cells is also under
investigation.
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