Formic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide

概要

Formic acid, the simplest carboxylic acid, reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium formate and water. Formic acid (Ka = 1.8 × 10⁻⁴) is about 10 times stronger than acetic acid. It was originally obtained by distillation from ants (Latin: formica).

参加者

日常の例

Formic acid causes the burning sensation of ant bites and bee stings, which can be neutralized by applying a basic paste like baking soda.

産業上の重要性

ギ酸ナトリウムは空港滑走路の凍結防止剤、皮革なめし剤、繊維媒染剤として利用される。ギ酸自体は農薬（ダニ駆除）、食品防腐剤、カルボキシル化反応の還元剤として重要。