Formic acid

Formic acid, Acidum formicum (from lat. formica= ant), is a colourless, clear, pungent smelling liquid which is miscible with water, ether, ethanol. Its salts are called formates. Formic acid is approved in the EU under the number E 236 as a food additive.

In nature, formic acid is found in ants, bee venom, honey, nettles and sweat; it is also found in numerous fruits such as apples, strawberries, raspberries, etc.

Formic acid in 5% aqueous application form is used medicinally for rubbing in rheumatic diseases (Spiritus formicarum = ant spirit).

In food technology, formic acid is used, for example, to preserve beverages, confectionery, pastry products and ice cream. The acid is also used as a disinfectant for beer barrels.

In agriculture, formic acid is used to preserve silage fodder. Formic acid plays a role for beekeepers who use the acid to treat bees against mites.

At higher concentrations, e.g. in case of contact with meadows or when touching stinging hairs of stinging nettle, localized toxic reactions with itchy wheals occur.