What is Formic Acid?

In this article we take a look at Formic acid, delving beyond the basics to explore the diverse applications and lesser-known insights surrounding this versatile compound.

What is Formic Acid?

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid with the chemical formula HCOOH. A colourless liquid with pungent odour, it was originally isolated from ants and therefore derives its name from the Latin word ‘formica’ which, as you may have guessed, translates to ‘ant’. It is also widely referred to as methanoic acid, which reflects the name of the parent compound – methane.

Who discovered formic acid?

The discovery of formic acid and its initial isolation from ants is attributed to the English naturalist and botanist John Ray.

In the late 17th century, John Ray conducted experiments in which he distilled a variety of insects, including ants, to investigate their chemical properties. Through these experiments, Ray obtained a liquid with a pungent odour, later identified as formic acid. Ray named the compound "formic acid" based on the Latin word "formica," meaning ant, to reflect its origin.

Ray's work on formic acid laid the foundation for future investigations and the identification of its chemical composition. In later years, French chemist Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac went further to make significant contributions to formic acid research in the 1800s. Gay-Lussac, along with his collaborator Louis Jacques Thénard helped establish formic acid as a distinct chemical compound and laid the foundation for further research and understanding of its properties and applications.

Marcellin Berthelot, a prominent French chemist (in fact, considered by many in the field as one of the greatest chemists of all time) and pioneer in the field of organic chemistry, also made significant contributions to the study of formic acid.

Berthelot conducted extensive research on formic acid and published several influential papers on the subject. He investigated the chemical reactions of formic acid with other compounds and studied how it acted under different conditions. One of his notable achievements was the synthesis of formic acid by the oxidation of glycerol, a process he developed and documented in his research. He is also credited with the discovery and development of synthesis from carbon monoxide – a process similar to what is used today.

Furthermore, Berthelot's work with formic acid extended beyond its chemical properties. He explored its potential as a source of energy and studied its combustion reactions, shedding light on the thermodynamic aspects of formic acid's utilisation.

Berthelot's contributions to the field of organic chemistry, including his research on formic acid, were ground-breaking and greatly influenced the scientific community's understanding of chemical reactions and the properties of various compounds. His work paved the way for further advancements and applications of formic acid in industrial processes, agricultural practices, and other areas.

How is formic acid industrially made?

The majority of the world’s formic acid is obtained by a two-step procedure – formation of methyl formate by the carbonylation of methanol, followed by hydrolysis of the ester and rectification of the products to produce formic acid. (Find out more on the S&P Global website here) In smaller volumes, formic acid is also produced as a by-product in the manufacture of other chemicals such as acetic acid and can also be obtained through steam distillation by heating oxalic acid in anhydrous glycerol.