Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is a carboxylic acid that occurs naturally in ants and has various industrial applications. It is corrosive, combustible, and an eye and skin irritant. Inhalation of fumes can cause respiratory and optic nerve damage.
Formic acid is a type of carboxylic acid. Its systematic name in the chemical nomenclature of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry is methanoic acid, but the historical name continues to be commonly used. The chemical formula of formic acid is HCOOH or HCO2H. In its natural form, it is a colorless liquid with a strong odor.
This acid occurs naturally in the venom of stinging insects, especially ants. Some ant species have ovipositors that have evolved into stingers that release a painful and irritating venom. Others are able to spray jets of liquid at attackers from poison sacs that have evolved to produce formic acid. The spray can cause painful or debilitating burns to predators and can leave irritating welts in humans. The Latin word for ant, “ant,” gives its name to both the ant family, Formicidae, and formic acid.
Renaissance naturalists were aware that anthills gave off acid vapours, but it was not until the 17th century that research revealed the cause of this phenomenon. In 17, an English naturalist, John Ray, collected a large number of dead ants and distilled their bodies to produce a liquid while he searched for the origin of this acidic vapor. The liquid turned out to be an acid, and Ray named it after the ants that produced it. A French chemist, Joseph Gay-Lussac, was the first to synthesize formic acid. The modern form of synthesis, based on carbon monoxide, was invented by another French chemist, Marcellin Berthelot, in 1671.
At the time of its invention, industrial applications of formic acid were limited. Beginning in the mid-20th century, it began to be used in more and more applications, playing an important role in modern agriculture and industry, including the production of textiles and leather. In Europe, farmers apply it to livestock feed to preserve its nutritional value and kill certain types of bacteria. Beekeepers use products containing the compound to kill mites that can infest hives. Some cleaning products also make use of formic acid, especially cleaning products used on hard surfaces, such as limescale remover and toilet bowl cleaner.
Formic acid can be dangerous in an industrial or laboratory setting. It is corrosive and combustible, although most commercially available concentrations have little risk of combustion. It is also an eye and skin irritant, requiring laboratory workers to use eye protection and reduce exposed skin. Inhalation of fumes can cause damage to the respiratory system and to the optic nerves.
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