Formic acid

From Citizendium
(Redirected from Formic Acid)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This article is a stub and thus not approved.
Main Article
Discussion
Related Articles  [?]
Bibliography  [?]
External Links  [?]
Citable Version  [?]
 
This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.

Formic acid, HCOOH, also known as methanoic acid, is the simplest member of the carboxylic acids, RCOOH (where R = H, or any alkyl group). It is a pungent liquid which in its natural occurrence is largely responsible both for the sting in stinging nettles and in ants.

Formic acid is a stronger acid than any other member of the unsubstituted carboxylic acid series, and forms salts, called formates, which (except for those of lead and silver) are readily soluble in water.

Concentrated sulfuric acid dehydrates formic acid to give carbon monoxide.

HCOOH - H2O → CO