Formic Acid CAS 64-18-6: Properties, Applications, Grades, and Purchasing Guide

Formic Acid CAS 64-18-6 is an industrial chemical used in leather tanning, textiles, natural rubber production, preserving animal feeds, chemical synthesis, agriculture, cleaning solutions and in certain oilfield applications. It is the simplest carboxylic acid, and can be provided as a clear colorless liquid in several concentration grades.

When manufacturers, distributors, importers and procurement teams choose formic acid, they have to consider more than just the concentration or price. The production performance and total purchasing cost can be affected by chloride, sulfate, iron, color, density, nonvolatile residue, packaging compatibility, storage conditions, and batch consistency.

What Is Formic Acid CAS 64-18-6?

Formic acid is the simplest member of the carboxylic acid family. Its chemical formula is HCOOH.

Typical product information includes:

• Chemical name: Formic Acid
• CAS number: 64-18-6
• Molecular formula: HCOOH
• Molecular weight: approximately 46.03
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Solubility: Miscible with water
• EINECS number: 200-579-1

Commercial formic acid is commonly available in concentrations such as 85%, 90%, 94%, 98%, and 99%. The correct grade depends on the intended application, required active content, impurity limits, storage equipment, transport conditions, and process-water tolerance.

Main Properties of Formic Acid

Formic acid has several properties that make it valuable in industrial processing.

These include:

• Strong acidity
• High water miscibility
• Rapid pH adjustment
• Good chemical reactivity
• Availability in multiple concentrations
• Suitability for dilution
• Use as a reagent, preservative, coagulant, and cleaning agent

Its actual performance depends on concentration, purity, process conditions, and the complete formulation in which it is used.

Common Commercial Grades

Formic Acid 85%

Formic acid 85% is widely used in general industrial applications.

Potential advantages include:

• Broad availability
• Competitive cost
• Practical handling
• Easy dilution
• Wide application range

It is commonly selected for leather, rubber, textiles, feed preservation, cleaning, and general chemical processing.

Formic Acid 90%

The 90% grade offers higher active acid content and reduced water compared with the 85% grade.

It may provide:

• Better freight efficiency
• Lower storage volume per unit of active acid
• More accurate dosing
• Convenient industrial use

Formic Acid 94%

Formic acid 94% provides a higher concentration while remaining suitable for many industrial applications.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced process-water input
• Higher active-content transportation
• More precise reaction calculations
• Efficient dilution to lower concentrations

Formic Acid 98% and 99%

Higher-concentration grades may be preferred for:

• Chemical synthesis
• Pharmaceutical intermediates
• Agrochemical production
• Fine chemicals
• Processes sensitive to water
• High-purity industrial formulations

These grades require stricter storage, handling, ventilation, and material compatibility.

Main Applications of Formic Acid

Leather Tanning and Processing

Formic acid is widely used in leather pickling, tanning, dyeing, neutralization, and pH-control processes.

It may support:

• Controlled acidification
• Improved penetration of tanning agents
• More uniform pickling
• Better dye fixation
• Stable bath conditions
• Improved batch consistency

Leather manufacturers should carefully control concentration, iron, chloride, color, and dosing.

Textile Dyeing and Finishing

In textile processing, formic acid may be used for:

• Dye-bath pH adjustment
• Neutralization of alkaline residues
• Dye fixation support
• Finishing-process control
• Preparation of acidic formulations

The correct dosage depends on fiber type, dye chemistry, water quality, process temperature, and target pH.

Natural Rubber and Latex Processing

Formic acid is commonly used as a coagulant in natural rubber and latex production.

Potential functions include:

• Controlled latex coagulation
• Efficient rubber separation
• Stable pH reduction
• Improved process repeatability
• Consistent rubber quality

Rubber producers typically require stable concentration and low impurity levels.

Animal Feed and Silage Preservation

Formic acid may be used in animal-feed acidification, silage preservation, grain treatment, and feed-hygiene systems.

Potential benefits include:

• Lowering pH
• Supporting preservation
• Limiting unwanted microbial activity
• Improving storage stability
• Supporting feed hygiene

Feed applications must comply with relevant local regulations and approved-use conditions.

Chemical Manufacturing

Formic Acid CAS 64-18-6 is used as a raw material, reagent, or intermediate in the production of:

• Sodium formate
• Potassium formate
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agrochemicals
• Dyes and pigments
• Specialty chemicals
• Cleaning products
• Reducing agents

For chemical synthesis, stable concentration and controlled impurities are especially important.

Industrial Cleaning and Descaling

Formic acid may be incorporated into cleaning and descaling formulations for:

• Mineral-deposit removal
• Heat-exchanger cleaning
• Process-equipment cleaning
• Metal-surface treatment
• Industrial-system maintenance

The final formulation should be tested for cleaning performance, corrosion, surface compatibility, and worker safety.

Oilfield Applications

Formic acid may be used in selected oilfield systems, including:

• Well stimulation
• Acidizing
• Scale removal
• Equipment cleaning
• pH adjustment
• Specialty chemical formulations

Oilfield users should evaluate corrosion behavior, concentration, metallurgy, temperature, pressure, and impurity control.

Agriculture and Agrochemical Production

Formic acid may be used in:

• Agrochemical intermediates
• Pesticide manufacturing
• Preservative formulations
• Agricultural chemical processing
• Selected fertilizer-related systems

The exact grade should be selected according to process requirements and regulatory conditions.

Important Quality Specifications

A professional supplier should provide a detailed technical data sheet and batch-specific certificate of analysis.

Important indicators may include:

• Formic acid concentration
• Density
• Color
• Chloride
• Sulfate
• Iron
• Nonvolatile residue
• Water content
• Appearance
• Reducing substances

Concentration

Concentration affects:

• Active acid content
• Dosing accuracy
• Reaction control
• Freight efficiency
• Storage volume
• Dilution calculations
• Product value

Buyers should confirm the minimum concentration, acceptable tolerance, test method, and batch-release limit.

Density

Density may be used as a supporting indicator of concentration and consistency.

Because density changes with temperature, the supplier should state the measurement temperature.

Density should not replace direct concentration testing.

Color

Formic acid should normally be clear and colorless.

Unexpected yellowing or discoloration may indicate:

• Metal contamination
• Storage degradation
• Cross-contamination
• Packaging incompatibility
• Production inconsistency

Strict color control may be important for leather, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals.

Chloride and Sulfate

Chloride and sulfate may influence:

• Corrosion
• Equipment life
• Reaction efficiency
• Product purity
• Downstream processing
• Finished-product appearance

Buyers should define acceptable limits according to the intended application.

Iron Content

Iron may contribute to:

• Product discoloration
• Chemical instability
• Equipment deposits
• Corrosion
• Finished-product defects

Low iron is often preferred for color-sensitive and high-purity applications.

Nonvolatile Residue

Nonvolatile residue represents the material remaining after the volatile components evaporate.

Excessive residue may cause:

• Equipment deposits
• Product contamination
• Filtration problems
• Unwanted solids
• Reduced purity
• Downstream quality issues

A low residue level is generally preferred in sensitive industrial processes.

Dilution of Formic Acid

Higher-concentration formic acid may be diluted to prepare lower concentrations.

Important dilution factors include:

• Water quality
• Target concentration
• Addition sequence
• Mixing rate
• Temperature rise
• Cooling capacity
• Tank compatibility
• Final concentration verification

Dilution is exothermic and must be carried out according to qualified procedures and the supplier’s safety data sheet.

Concentrated acid should generally be added slowly to water under controlled agitation rather than adding water rapidly into concentrated acid.

Packaging Options

Formic Acid CAS 64-18-6 requires packaging compatible with corrosive liquid chemicals.

Common options include:

• 25 kg plastic drums
• 35 kg plastic drums
• 250 kg HDPE drums
• IBC tanks
• ISO tanks
• Road tankers
• Customized bulk delivery

The correct packaging depends on concentration, order quantity, transport regulations, destination requirements, and receiving equipment.

Plastic Drums

Plastic drums may be suitable for:

• Trial orders
• Small industrial users
• Regional distribution
• Controlled batch dosing
• Customers without bulk tanks

The drum body, closure, gasket, and seal must be compatible with the product concentration.

IBC Tanks

IBC tanks may provide:

• Efficient forklift handling
• Easier pumping
• Medium-volume supply
• Reduced manual transfer
• Better warehouse organization

Valves, seals, and gaskets should be verified for compatibility.

ISO Tanks and Bulk Delivery

ISO tanks and road tankers may be suitable for large-volume users.

Buyers should confirm:

• Tank compatibility
• Cleaning certification
• Previous cargo
• Valve condition
• Tank rental
• Detention charges
• Unloading procedures
• Receiving-tank suitability

Bulk delivery can reduce packaging costs but requires qualified storage and transfer systems.

Storage Requirements

Formic acid should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area in compatible, tightly closed containers.

It should be kept away from:

• Heat
• Direct sunlight
• Alkalis
• Strong oxidizing agents
• Incompatible metals
• Open flames
• Contamination
• Damaged packaging

Storage tanks, pumps, hoses, valves, seals, and ventilation systems should be selected according to concentration and operating conditions.

Handling and Safety

Formic acid is corrosive and requires strict handling procedures.

Suitable personal protective equipment may include:

• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Safety goggles
• Face shield
• Protective clothing
• Chemical-resistant footwear
• Suitable respiratory protection where required

Facilities should provide:

• Adequate ventilation
• Emergency showers
• Eyewash stations
• Spill-control equipment
• Trained personnel
• Clearly marked storage areas
• Emergency-response procedures

Workers should review the current safety data sheet before handling the product.

How to Evaluate a Supplier

Review the Technical Data Sheet

The supplier should provide measurable limits for concentration, color, chloride, sulfate, iron, density, and residue.

Request Batch-Specific COAs

The certificate of analysis should correspond to the actual shipment batch.

Test a Representative Sample

Recommended tests may include:

• Concentration
• Density
• Color
• Chloride
• Sulfate
• Iron
• Nonvolatile residue
• Application performance

Compare Multiple Batches

Reviewing certificates from several batches helps evaluate long-term consistency.

Confirm Production Capacity

Buyers should ask about:

• Monthly output
• Available inventory
• Standard lead time
• Emergency supply capability
• Repeat-order support
• Available concentration grades

Review Quality Traceability

Each shipment should be traceable through:

• Batch number
• Production date
• Laboratory results
• Retained samples
• Packaging records
• Loading records
• Shipping documents

Evaluate Export Experience

International suppliers should understand:

• Chemical classification
• Compatible packaging
• Dangerous-goods procedures
• Container and tank loading
• Customs documentation
• Freight booking
• Destination regulations

Required Documents

A professional supplier should provide:

• Technical data sheet
• Safety data sheet
• Certificate of analysis
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Bill of lading
• Customs declaration documents
• Inspection reports when required

All documents should use consistent product names, concentrations, batch numbers, net weights, packaging, and consignee details.

How to Request an Accurate Quotation

A complete inquiry should include:

• Required concentration
• Maximum chloride
• Maximum sulfate
• Maximum iron
• Color requirement
• Nonvolatile-residue limit
• Required quantity
• Packaging
• Destination port
• Incoterm
• Delivery schedule
• Required documents
• Intended application

For example:

“Please quote 25 metric tons of formic acid 85%, packed in 250 kg HDPE drums, CIF Rotterdam, including TDS, SDS, and batch-specific COA.”

Detailed inquiries help suppliers provide technically accurate pricing.

Total Procurement Cost

The total purchasing cost includes more than the quoted unit price.

Buyers should consider:

• Active formic acid content
• Packaging
• Inland transportation
• Chemical freight
• Port charges
• Tank rental
• Customs clearance
• Import duties
• Local delivery
• Storage
• Ventilation
• Handling
• Quality inspection
• Operational risk

A stable product with controlled impurities may reduce process variation, corrosion, deposits, and customer complaints.

Common Purchasing Risks

Potential risks include:

• Incorrect concentration
• Excessive water
• High chloride
• High sulfate
• High iron
• Discoloration
• Incompatible packaging
• Leakage
• Incomplete documents
• Shipment delays

These risks can be reduced through clear specifications, sample approval, batch-specific COAs, third-party inspection, and loading supervision.

Questions to Ask Before Ordering

Buyers should confirm:

• Which concentration grades are available?
• What are the chloride and sulfate limits?
• What is the iron specification?
• What is the color limit?
• What is the nonvolatile-residue limit?
• Can recent batch COAs be provided?
• Is a representative sample available?
• Which packaging options are offered?
• What is the monthly supply capacity?
• What is the standard lead time?
• Can ISO tank or bulk delivery be arranged?
• Which export documents are included?
• Can third-party inspection be arranged?
• How are quality claims handled?

Conclusion

Formic Acid CAS 64-18-6 is an industrial chemical with many applications including in leather processing, textile dyeing, production of natural rubber, preservation of animal feeds, chemical synthesis, industrial cleaning, agricultural and some oilfield applications.

Its performance is influenced by concentration, density, colour, chloride, sulfate, iron, nonvolatile residue, packaging, and consistency of batch.

Buyers are advised to check full technical specification, obtain a Certificate of Analysis for the batch to be purchased, sample tested, and confirm packaging, storage, safety and shipping conditions.

A reliable supplier should offer: consistent concentration, consistent impurities, safe packaging, comprehensive documentation, prompt technical support, and consistent worldwide delivery.