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Synthetic aroma chemicals

Formic acid

Also known as Methanoic acid, Formylic acid, Aminic acid

CAS 64-18-6Formula CH2O2Molar mass 46.03 g/molEC 200-579-1
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe) 659 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Formic acid chemical structure, CH2O2, CAS 64-18-6
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless fuming liquid
Melting point
8.3 °C
Boiling point
101 °C
Density
Relative density of the vapor/air mixture at 20 °C (air = 1): 1.03
Flash point
69 °C
HS code
291511
Category
Synthetic aroma chemicals
UN number
UN 1779
Illustrative photo, 200 litre steel drums of liquid in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Formic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon. Occurs naturally in various sources including the venom of bee and ant stings, and is a useful organic synthetic reagent. Principally used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. Induces severe metabolic acidosis and ocular injury in human subjects. It has a role as a metabolite, an antibacterial agent, a solvent, a protic solvent and an astringent. It is a conjugate acid of a formate.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
formic acid
CAS number
64-18-6 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 14523-98-9, 82069-14-5
EC number
200-579-1
Molecular formula
CH2O2
UNII
0YIW783RG1
MDL number
MFCD00003297
INCI name
FORMIC ACID
InChIKey
BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/CH2O2/c2-1-3/h1H,(H,2,3)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(=O)O

Synonyms

  • Methanoic acid
  • Formylic acid
  • Aminic acid
  • Bilorin
  • Hydrogen carboxylic acid
  • Formisoton
  • Formira
  • Myrmicyl
  • Collo-bueglatt
  • Collo-didax
  • Acide formique
  • Add-F
  • Ameisensaeure
  • C1 acid
  • RCRA waste number U123
  • Mierenzuur
  • Acido formico
  • Formicum acidum
  • Kwas metaniowy
  • Kyselina mravenci
  • Varromed component formic acid
  • Acidum formicum
  • Provita Konquest
  • Provita Hoofsure Endurance
  • Provita Hoofsure Endurance XL
Show all 32 synonyms
  • Provita Hoofsure Endurance Express
  • hydron, formate
  • Formic acid (natural)
  • HCOOH
  • Ameisensaure
  • Sybest
  • RCRA waste no. U123

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless fuming liquidexp.
Odour
Pungent, penetrating odorexp.
Taste
SOURexp.
Melting point
8.3 °Cexp.
Boiling point
101 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density of the vapor/air mixture at 20 °C (air = 1): 1.03exp.
Flash point
69 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
539 °Cexp.
Solubility
Miscible with waterexp.
Vapour pressure
42.59 mm Hg at 25 °C /Extrapolated/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
46.03 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
46.0055 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.3calc.
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
3calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
230NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H226Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H290May be corrosive to metals.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H331Toxic if inhaled.
Precautionary statements (32)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P234Keep only in original packaging.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P390Absorb spillage to prevent material damage.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P406Store in a corrosion resistant container with a resistant inner liner.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1779
Transport hazard class
8
Packing group
II

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Formic acid suppliers

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All 659 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

659 suppliers in 64 countries

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Formic acid price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Both oil base and water base fracturing fluids are being used in the fracturing industry. Water base, which includes alcohol-water mixtures and low strength acids, make up the majority of treating fluids. The common chemicals added to these fluids are polymers for viscosity development, crosslinkers for viscosity enhancement, pH control chemicals, gel breakers for polymer degradation following the treatment, surfactants, clay stabilizers, alcohol, bactericides, fluid loss additives and friction reducer. (Hydraulic fracturing).

Hydraulic fracturing uses a specially blended liquid which is pumped into a well under extreme pressure causing cracks in rock formations underground. These cracks in the rock then allow oil and natural gas to flow, increasing resource production. ...

Read more

Chemical Name: Formic acid, Chemical Purpose: Prevents the corrosion of the pipe, Product Function: Corrosion inhibitor.

Manufacture of fumigants, insecticides, refrigerants, solvents for perfumes, lacquers, electroplating, brewing (antiseptic), silvering glass, cellulose formate, ore flotation, vinyl resin plasticizers.

Industrial uses: Etching agent, Chelating agent, Intermediate, Processing aids, specific to petroleum production, Cleaning agent, Preservative, Soil amendments (fertilizers).

Consumer uses: pH regulating agent, Chemical reaction regulator, Binder, Soil amendments (fertilizers), Preservative, Cleaning agent.

Use classes: Safer Chemical Classes, Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name FORMIC ACID(fragrance, preservative, ph adjusters)

Roles

  • Bronsted acid
  • acid
  • antibacterial agent
  • antimicrobial agent
  • astringent
  • donor
  • metabolite
  • pharmaceutical
  • polar solvent
  • protic solvent
  • solvent

Functional uses

  • Adhesion/cohesion promoter
  • Antioxidant
  • Chelating agent
  • Corrosion inhibitor
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Preservative
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified
  • pH regulating agent

Cosmetic functions

  • Fragrance
  • Ph adjusters
  • Preservative

Pharmacology

Formic Acid is a reagent comprised of the organic chemical formic acid that cleaves proteins into peptides at the C- or N-terminal side of an aspartate residue.

How it is made

Synthesis of formic acid by hydrolysis of methyl formate is based on a two-stage process: in the first stage, methanol is carbonylated with carbon monoxide, in the second stage, methyl formate is hydrolyzed to formic acid and methanol.

Formic acid is produced as a byproduct in the liquid-phase oxidation of hydrocarbons to acetic acid. In the United States, butane is used as the hydrocarbon, and ca. 50 kg of formic acid is produced per ton of acetic acid.

Read more

In Europe, the oxidation of naphtha is preferred, and up to 250 kg of formic acid is produced per ton of acetic acid in this process.

Hydrolysis of Formamide: ... Formic acid is produced this way in a threestage process. In the first stage, methanol is carbonylated to yield methyl formate. ... In the second stage, formamide is produced by ammonolysis of ethyl formate. ... In the third stage, sulfuric acid is used to hydrolyze formamide to formic acid and ammonium sulfate. ... The residual formic acid is distilled so that dry, pure ammonium sulfate is produced at the kiln end. The yield of formic acid exceeds 90%.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 607-001-00-0

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V, allowed preservative
    Name: FORMIC ACID / SODIUM FORMATE, Ref no: 14, Annex ref: V/14
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Formic acid is traded under.

HS 2915.11Exact HS code

Acids: saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, formic acid

World exports in 2024
$206M
−21.4% vs 2023, imports $307M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China60.2%
  2. Netherlands19.4%
  3. United States8.3%
Top importers
  1. Netherlands14.2%
  2. Germany7.5%
  3. Brazil6.5%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Formic acid is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Formic acid, based on the data on this page

What is Formic acid?

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon. Occurs naturally in various sources including the venom of bee and ant stings, and is a useful organic synthetic reagent. Principally used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed.

What is the CAS number of Formic acid?

The CAS registry number of Formic acid is 64-18-6. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 14523-98-9, 82069-14-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Formic acid?

The molecular formula of Formic acid is CH2O2 and its molar mass is 46.03 g/mol.

What is Formic acid used for?

Both oil base and water base fracturing fluids are being used in the fracturing industry. Water base, which includes alcohol-water mixtures and low strength acids, make up the majority of treating fluids.

Is Formic acid hazardous?

Formic acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: flammable liquid and vapour, may be corrosive to metals, harmful if swallowed. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Formic acid?

Formic acid is usually classified under HS code 291511 (Formic acid). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Formic acid?

CompoundList lists 659 suppliers of Formic acid in India, China, United States, United Kingdom and 60 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Formic acid in India?

144 suppliers in India list Formic acid on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Formic acid?

Suppliers quote Formic acid on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Formic acid

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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