Formic acid (E 236, methane acid) among monobasic acids (saturated) is in the first place.Under normal conditions, the substance is a colorless liquid.The chemical formula of formic acid HCOOH.
addition to its acidic properties, it shows the quality and aldehydes.This is due to the structure of matter E236.
naturally occurring substance found in nettles, needles, fruit, caustic and bee secretions and ants.Formic acid was first discovered and described in the 17th century.Substance got its name because it was found in the ants.
Usually, a component is used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in fodder.The chemical properties of formic acid slows the processes of decay and rot.That is why silage and hay treated with the substance are retained longer.The substance is used in medicine.The dyeing wool (mordant) as a bleach in tanning leather, for controlling parasites in apiculture as a solvent during some of the reactions also applies formic acid.
chemical properties are shown depending on the concentration.In accordance with the classification of the European Union, the quantitative composition of up to 10% onovozdeystvuet irritating, more than 10% - corrosive to.
100% formic acid (liquid) in contact with the skin provokes a very severe burns.Contact with even small amounts of it in such a concentration on the cover it causes severe pain.The affected area starts to turn white at first, as though covered with frost, then it becomes like a wax.Around the burned area is formed by a red border.The acid is able to quickly penetrate the fat layer of the skin, so you should immediately wash the affected area produce.
Concentrated vapors can cause material damage to the respiratory tract and eyes.Accidentally hitting the inside, even in diluted form, methane acid causes severe gastroenteritis, necrotizing nature.
body quickly converts and outputs the substance.However, along with this, E236 and formaldehyde, which are formed when methanol poisoning, provoke lesions in the optic nerve, leading to blindness.
muravtinoy acid salts are called formate.Heating with concentrated sulfuric acid leads to degradation E236 and CO to H2O that is used to form carbon monoxide.
Industrially prepared from formic acid, sodium hydroxide and carbon monoxide.
substance 100.7 Boiling point, freezing point - 8.25 degrees.
At room conditions E236 decomposes to carbon monoxide and water.According to expert testimony on the power of methane exceeds acetic acid.However, in view of the ability of the first rapid degradation, it is used as a solvent is extremely rare.
believed that E236 is very hygroscopic.During experiments it was found that the production of anhydrous formulation by using dehydrating reagents is possible.
formic acid impermissible contact with moist air.
E236 purity higher than 99% can be obtained from an aqueous solution, using a two-stage distillation with butyric acid.The first distillation eliminates the bulk water.The residue contains about 77% retracement substance.For its use playout 3 - 6 times the amount of butyric acid in the form of an azeotropic mixture.
In the process of opening a container with E236 must be particularly careful.Formic acid during storage for a long period in a tank can be formed under considerable pressure.
