[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature of formic acid, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, the nature of formic acid, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods are what

PROPERTIES OF FORMIC ACID

Formic acid, the chemical formula HCOOH, is the simplest carboxylic acid. It is a colorless and transparent liquid with a strong pungent odor and corrosiveness. Formic acid has a molecular weight of 46.03g/mol and a density of 1.220g/cm³(20°C). Its melting point is 8.4 ℃, boiling point is 100.8 ℃, and water, ethanol, ether and other organic solvents miscible. Formic acid is reductive and can be oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, while decomposing at high temperatures to produce carbon monoxide and water. Formic acid is a weaker acid, slightly more acidic than acetic acid, with a pKa value of 3.75.

Formic Acid Uses

Formic acid is widely used in chemical industry and industry. It is used in the textile industry for fabric dyeing and printing process, can play the role of pickling agent. In the leather industry, formic acid is used in the tanning and degreasing processes to help improve the quality and durability of leather. Formic acid is also an important preservative and fungicide. In the food industry, it is mainly used as an acidifier for feed, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria and extend the shelf life of feed. In addition to these, formic acid is also used in the fields of rubber coagulants, paper-making bleaching agents, metal surface treatment agents, and pesticides.

Formic acid upstream feedstock

There are many methods for the production of formic acid, including chemical synthesis and biosynthesis. In terms of chemical synthesis, the most common production method of formic acid is the reaction of methanol and carbon monoxide to produce methyl formate, which is then hydrolyzed to give formic acid. The main raw materials of this process are methanol and carbon monoxide. Methanol is usually prepared by natural gas or coal gasification, and carbon monoxide can be obtained by partial oxidation of natural gas or coal gasification. Another method is the oxidation of methanol to produce formic acid. In this process, methanol is also used as the main raw material, supplemented by oxygen or air. In terms of biosynthesis, formic acid can be obtained by fermentation of sugars by certain microorganisms, and common raw materials include glucose and corn starch.

Formic acid downstream products

As a basic chemical raw material, formic acid has a variety of downstream products. Derivatives thereof include sodium formate, calcium formate, methyl formate, ethyl formate, etc. Sodium formate is an important preservative and reducing agent, widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical and printing and dyeing industries. Calcium formate is mainly used in feed additives, can provide a source of calcium and play an acidifying role. Methyl formate and ethyl formate are important intermediates in organic synthesis, which are used in the synthesis of drugs, spices and pesticides. Formic acid can also be used as a reducing agent in the production of silver mirrors, resins, adhesives and dyes.

Formic acid storage method

Due to the corrosive and volatile nature of formic acid, storage requires appropriate measures. Formic acid should be stored in a cool, ventilated warehouse, away from fire, heat and oxidizing agents. Storage containers shall be stainless steel, glass, plastic or specially treated steel containers to avoid contact with metal to prevent corrosion and reaction. The container should be sealed to prevent leakage and volatilization, and equipped with leakage emergency treatment equipment. Formic acid in the transport process should also pay attention to protection, the use of special acid-resistant packaging containers, to avoid mixing with other chemicals, transport vehicles should have anti-leakage measures.

Formic acid market analysis

The formic acid market has shown a steady growth trend in recent years, mainly due to its wide range of applications and increasing demand. Especially in the leather, textile and feed industries, the demand for formic acid is increasing. The increasingly stringent environmental regulations have also prompted various industries to increase the use of formic acid, a relatively environmentally friendly chemical raw material. China is one of the major countries in the production and consumption of formic acid in the world, and the production enterprises are concentrated in Jiangsu, Shandong and other provinces. The market competition is fierce, but with the technological progress and the optimization of production process, the production cost of formic acid is gradually decreasing, and the market prospect is broad.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, formic acid has a variety of excellent properties and a wide range of uses. Its upstream raw material source is rich, the production process is mature, a variety of downstream products are widely used in all walks of life. Proper storage and transport methods ensure its safe use. With the growth of market demand and technological progress, the formic acid industry is expected to continue to maintain a good momentum of development in the future.