Physical Properties:

Volatile, colorless liquid with a sharp musty odor like rubbing alcohol. Flash point of 53 °F. Vapors are heavier than air and mildly irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat. Density approximately 6.5 lb / gal. Used in making cosmetics, skin and hair preparations, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, lacquer formulations, dye solutions, antifreezes, soaps, window cleaners. Sold in 70% aqueous solution as rubbing alcohol.

Application:

Manufacturers and researchers in the industrial sector keep coming up with new ideas for using formic acid. At present, this organic compound is used as:

1. Used as solvent in paint and coating industries
2. Cleansing agent for eye-glasses, electrical contacts, optical discs, heat sinks, CPU etc.
3. As intermediate in many chemical manufacture
4. Medicinal use as hand sanitizer and disinfecting pads, treating nausea
5. As fuel additives in automobiles