methanoic acid

views updated May 29 2018

methanoic acid (formic acid, HCOOH) Colourless, corrosive, pungent, liquid carboxylic acid. It is used to produce insecticides and for dyeing, tanning, and electroplating. It occurs naturally in a variety of sources, such as stinging ants, nettles, pine needles, and sweat. The simplest of the carboxylic acids, it can be produced by the action of concentrated sulphuric acid on sodium methanoate. Properties: r.d. 1.22; m.p. 8.3°C (46.9°F); b.p. 100.8°C (213.4°F).