Formår

Formår, also known as formic acid, is a naturally occurring organic compound with the chemical formula HCOOH. It is the simplest carboxylic acid, consisting of a formyl group (HCO) attached to a hydroxyl group (OH). Formic acid is produced by various organisms, including ants, bees, and some plants, and is used in their defense mechanisms. It is also found in some foods, such as honey and rhubarb, and is used in various industrial applications, including leather tanning, textile dyeing, and as a preservative in food and beverages.

Formic acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. It is miscible with water and has a boiling point of 100.8°C. It is a weak acid, with a pKa value of 3.75, and can dissociate into a formate ion (HCOO-) and a hydrogen ion (H+). Formic acid is toxic if ingested or inhaled, and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is also corrosive to metals and can cause damage to certain materials, such as rubber and plastics.

Formic acid is produced commercially through the oxidation of methanol or the fermentation of sugars. It is also found in nature in various forms, such as in the venom of stinging insects and in the secretions of some plants. Formic acid has been used in various applications throughout history, including as a preservative in ancient times and as a component in some modern industrial processes. However, due to its toxicity and corrosive properties, its use has been limited in recent years.