HCO2H

HCO2H is the chemical formula for formic acid. It is the simplest carboxylic acid, consisting of a carboxyl group (COOH) attached to a hydrogen atom. Formic acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor and is found naturally in the venom of ants and stinging nettles. It is a weak acid and is highly soluble in water.

Industrially, formic acid is produced by several methods, including the hydrolysis of methyl formate, which is synthesized from carbon monoxide and methanol. It is also a byproduct of some chemical processes.

Formic acid has a variety of applications. It is used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed, as a coagulant in rubber production, and in the tanning and dyeing of textiles. Its reducing properties make it useful in certain chemical reactions, and it serves as a source of the formyl group in organic synthesis. Due to its corrosive nature and potential to cause skin irritation, proper handling and safety precautions are necessary when working with formic acid.