Formic Acid

CH₂O₂

IUPAC: Methanoic acid

CAS: 64-18-6

Overview

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, naturally found in ant venom. It is used in textile dyeing, leather tanning, and as a preservative.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 2 1.0080
Carbon C 1 12.0110
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×2
4.4%
C
Carbon ×1
26.1%
O
Oxygen ×2
69.5%

Uses

  • • Textile dyeing
  • • Leather tanning
  • • Silage preservative
  • • Decalcifier

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Named after the Latin word 'formica' meaning ant

Safety

  • ⚠ Corrosive
  • ⚠ Causes burns

Structure

SMILES

C(=O)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
46.03 g/mol
Density
1.2200 g/cm³
Melting Point
8.4 °C
Boiling Point
100.8 °C
Solubility
miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
46.0055
XLogP
-0.2
TPSA
37.3 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
3
Complexity
10.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Formic Acid?
Formic Acid (CH₂O₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Methanoic acid.
What is the molecular weight of Formic Acid?
Formic Acid has a molar mass of 46.03 g/mol.
What state is Formic Acid at room temperature?
Formic Acid is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Formic Acid organic or inorganic?
Formic Acid is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Formic Acid?
Formic Acid (CH₂O₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).