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Formic Acid (Methanoic Acid)

CAS 64-18-6 · Formula CH2O2 · MW 46.025 g/mol

A versatile organic acid used wherever a strong, volatile, readily-decomposing acid is required. It is used in textile, leather and paper dyeing and finishing, in electroplating, as a chemical intermediate, and as a corrosion inhibitor in oilfield treatment fluids.

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UN Number
UN 1779
Hazard Class
Class 8
HS Code
2915.11
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Preservation · pH Adjustment
Functional Roles
Preservation pH Adjustment Synthesis Intermediate
INCI Name
FORMIC ACID
CosIng Functions
FRAGRANCEpH ADJUSTERSPRESERVATIVE
Industries Served
Beauty & Personal Care Textiles
Applications & Use Cases
  • ▸ Leather and textiles: dyeing, finishing and tanning auxiliary
  • ▸ Electroplating: process acid in plating baths
  • ▸ Pulp and paper: processing aid
  • ▸ Oil and gas: corrosion inhibitor in well-treatment fluids
Physical Properties
Melting Point
8 °C
Boiling Point
101 °C at 760 mmHg
Density
1.22 at 20 °C
Solubility
≥ 100 mg/mL at 21 °C
Vapor Pressure
35 mmHg at 20 °C; 200 mmHg at 61 °C
Flash Point
69 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 8 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 1779
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 8
Packing GroupII
Proper Shipping NameFormic acid with more than 85% acid by mass

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2915 . 11
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.11
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
64-18-6
Molecular Formula
CH2O2
Molecular Weight
46.025 g/mol
IUPAC Name
formic acid
INCI Name
FORMIC ACID
PubChem CID
284
InChI Key
BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
formic acid Methanoic acid Formylic acid Aminic acid Bilorin Hydrogen carboxylic acid Formisoton Formira Myrmicyl Collo-bueglatt Collo-didax Acide formique Add-F Ameisensaeure C1 acid RCRA waste number U123 Mierenzuur Acido formico Formicum acidum
Full Description

Formic acid (methanoic acid, CAS 64-18-6) is the simplest carboxylic acid. It is used in textile, leather and paper dyeing and finishing, in electroplating, as a chemical intermediate, and as a corrosion inhibitor in oilfield treatment fluids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main use of formic acid?

Formic acid (methanoic acid, CAS 64-18-6) is used in textile, leather, and paper dyeing and finishing, in electroplating baths, as a chemical intermediate, and as a corrosion inhibitor in oilfield well-treatment fluids. Leather and textile processing are major applications.

Is formic acid an acid?

Yes. It is the simplest carboxylic acid, formula CH2O2, and is a stronger acid than acetic acid. It is supplied as an aqueous solution at various concentrations.

What concentration is bulk formic acid supplied at?

Formic acid is supplied as an aqueous solution in standard industrial concentrations; the appropriate strength depends on your process. Specify your target concentration on the RFQ so we can match the correct grade.

What is the cost of bulk formic acid?

Pricing depends on concentration and packaging (drums, totes, or bulk). Request a bulk quote with your volume and delivery point for current pricing.

What are the UN number and HS code for shipping formic acid?

Formic acid ships under UN 1779. The HS classification is 2915.11. A current SDS with full transport and handling information accompanies each shipment.

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Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
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