formic acid

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, systematically named methanoic acid, with the chemical formula HCOOH. It occurs naturally in some ants and is an important intermediate in chemical synthesis. Formic acid is widely used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed, as well as in leather tanning, textile dyeing and finishing, rubber production (as a coagulant), cleaning products (such as limescale removers), and chromatography (as a volatile pH modifier). In medicine, it has been reported for topical treatment of warts due to its caustic properties. Its mechanism of action when used pharmaceutically or topically is primarily through its acidic/caustic effect on tissues or microorganisms[2][3][4][7].

Other names

methanoic acidHCOOH