What is Formic Acid?

Formic acid derives its name from the fact that it was first obtained by
distillation of ants (Latin, Formica =ant) Formic acid, systematically named
methanoic acid
Physical properties.
Cyclic dimer of formic acid; dashed green lines
represent hydrogen bonds
Formic acid is a colorless liquid having a pungent,
penetrating odor at room temperature, not unlike the
related acetic acid.
It is miscible with water and most polar organic
solvents, and is somewhat soluble in hydrocarbons.
In hydrocarbons and in the vapor phase, it consists of
hydrogen-bonded dimers rather than individual molecule
Preparation. Formic acid may be obtained as follows:
(1) From Methanol. By the oxidation of methanol with acidified sodium dichromate
solution.
From Oxalic Acid. Formic acid is prepared in the laboratory by heating oxalic acid
with glycerol catalyst at 110°C.
 Laboratory Method.
Anhydrous glycerol (50 ml) and powdered oxalic
acid (40 g) are placed in a flask and the apparatus
set up as shown in Fig. 1.1 The flask is heated at 1
C until the evolution of carbon dioxide (marked by
effervescence) ceases. The reaction flask is then
cooled and a fresh lot of oxalic acid (40 g) is
added. The mixture is again heated at 110°C when
an aqueous solution of formic acid collects in the
receiver.
The aqueous formic acid is neutralised with lead
carbonate. The solution of lead formate thus produced is
filtered and concentrated. The crystals of lead formate are
then charged in the inner tube of a water-condenser and
the apparatus set up as shown in Fig. 1.2. Hydrogen
sulphide is allowed to pass through the condenser while
steam is passed through its outer jacket. The anhydrous
formic acid collecting in the receiver flask is freed from
dissolved hydrogen sulphide by distilling over fresh lead
formate. Anhydrous formic acid may also be made in the
laboratory by distilling a mixture of sodium formate and
sodium hydrogen sulphate.
(3) From Carbon Monoxide. Formic acid is prepared industrially by beating
carbon monoxide. with sodium hydroxide at 150°C and under the pressure of 8
atmospheres

The free acid is liberated from its sodium salt by reaction with sulphuric acid.
Formic acid is used :
1.In textile dyeing and finishing.
2.As a coagulating agent for rubber latex.
3.In leather tanning.
4.In the preservation of fruits.
5.As an antiseptic.
6.In the treatment of gout.
7.In the laboratory preparation of carbon
monoxide.