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. 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.
IUPAC: formic acid
PubChem
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | 47.1 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 213.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.22 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Flash Point | 156 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Vapor Pressure | 35 mmHg at 68 °F ; 200 mmHg at 142.5 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Formic acid appears as a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 156 °F. Density 10.2 lb / gal. Corrosive to metals and tissue. |
Data: PubChem · Last updated: 4/20/2026
GHS Classification
No GHS classification data available.
Classification data is sourced from ECHA.
Regulatory Compliance
Listed
note: Status based on EPA TSCA Active Inventory · inventory name: TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory
View sourceGlobal Trade Intelligence
No trade flow data available for this chemical.
HS Code(s): 2915
Data: UN Comtrade
Suppliers on Chem-Exchange
No suppliers currently listing Formic acid
List Your ProductsSafety Data Sheets
No SDS documents available
Upload an SDS document