Textile and leather processing
Formic acid is used in industrial processing where controlled acidity and a specified concentration are needed.. [3]
01
THE ESSENTIALS
Formic Acid in 30 Seconds
A hydrogen is attached directly to the carboxyl carbon. There is no methyl or longer carbon chain.
Formic acid is the one-carbon member of the simple carboxylic-acid series. Its products range from aqueous concentrations to analytical grades, so an assay number needs a method and a concentration basis. [1] [3]
A condensed structural formula keeps the functional groups visible. [1]
02
GO A LITTLE DEEPER
Understanding Formic Acid
THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
The functional groups
A hydrogen is attached directly to the carboxyl carbon. There is no methyl or longer carbon chain. [1]
A LITTLE DEEPER
What the structure changes
A chromatographic purity number and a mass-fraction concentration answer different questions. The supplier table retains those labels rather than treating an 88% w/w product as equivalent to an HPLC-assayed product. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Technical detail Identity, dissociation & specification
The rounded pKa is supported by compiled references near 20–25 °C. Sigma lists ≥96.0%; TCI lists a minimum 88.0% w/w concentration by titration. Wako’s ≥99.5% HPLC assay does not independently verify that mass-fraction concentration. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6]
Acid–base reference values describe equilibria under specified conditions. They are not a substitute for a validated formulation or an assay on the purchased lot.
03
MAKE THE CONNECTION
How Formic Acid Compares
Similar names and functional groups do not mean interchangeable chemicals.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Formic Acid vs Acetic Acid
Aliphatic monocarboxylic acid
versusAliphatic monocarboxylic acid
Fixed comparison for this prototype. Acid selectors are disabled; additional comparisons are coming later.
| Property | Formic Acid | Acetic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | CH₂O₂ [1] | C₂H₄O₂ [7] |
| Molecular weight | 46.025 g/mol [1] | 60.05 g/mol [7] |
| Carbon atoms | 1 [1] | 2 [7] |
| Carboxyl groups | 1 [1] | 1 [7] |
| Structure | H–COOH [1] | CH₃–COOH [7] |
| Chemical family | Aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [1] | Aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [7] |
| Identity focus | Concentrated liquid / solutions [1] | Concentrated liquid / glacial products [7] |
| pKa context | ≈3.75 (20–25 °C references) [2] | 4.76 (25 °C) [10] |
Chemical identities are compared here; supplier grades, concentrations, and stereochemical specifications are separate purchasing attributes. pKa values retain their stated conditions; no quantitative solubility ranking is implied.
When Might You Choose One Instead of the Other?
Use formic acid when the method specifies a formate or formyl chemistry, or an analytical grade with required impurity limits. Use acetic acid when its methyl-bearing structure is required. Confirm concentration separately from chromatographic assay. [1] [3] [7]
Specified starting material
Formic Acid
Match H–COOH and the method’s required chemical form.
Acetic Acid
Match CH₃–COOH; verify the identity before substituting a related acid.
Before choosing: match the reaction or formulation, then verify the exact form, grade, assay basis, and impurities. These contexts do not establish suitability for an industrial or regulated application.
04
FROM STRUCTURE TO APPLICATION
What Is Formic Acid Used For?
Textile and leather processing
Formic acid is used in industrial processing where controlled acidity and a specified concentration are needed. [3]
Synthesis reagent
Used in reactions requiring formic-acid chemistry. The intended reaction determines whether a dilute or concentrated product is appropriate. [3]
Analytical methods
Formic acid is used in analytical-method contexts. A general reagent or HPLC product is not automatically an LC–MS grade. [3]
06
SOURCE WITH CONTEXT
Formic Acid Suppliers
Compare specific products and package options. Listings are not ranked recommendations.
3 suppliers · 3 products · 5 package listingsLatest supplier check: October 3, 2026
Package sizes stay grouped under the supplier product. Assay methods, product forms, and regional markets remain visible. Specify mass-fraction concentration and analytical impurity limits separately from HPLC assay.
Scroll horizontally if needed. Supplier and package identity stay visible.
| Supplier | Product / Grade | Purity / Assay | Package Size | Public Price | Normalized Price | Documentation | Last Checked | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma-AldrichFormic Acid | ACS reagent695076-100ML | ≥96.0% | 100 mL | $64.10USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | COA lookup on product page (opens new tab)SDSCheck supplierCOO lookup on product page (opens new tab) Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich
| View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, 695076-100ML (opens new tab) | |
| ACS reagent695076-500ML | ≥96.0% | 500 mL | $104.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, 695076-500ML (opens new tab) | |||
| TCIFormic Acid | Check supplierF0513Concentration specification; not a separate purity claim. | ≥88.0% w/w (neutralization titration) | 300 mL | £16.00GBP · UK public price | Not comparedDifferent currency / market | Document notes: TCI
| View Product: TCI, F0513 (opens new tab) | |
| FUJIFILM WakoFormic Acid | For HPLC · “abt. 99%” product063-04192HPLC purity is not a verified mass-fraction concentration. | ≥99.5% (HPLC) | 25 mL | $69.00USD · US list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
| View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 063-04192 (opens new tab) | |
| For HPLC · “abt. 99%” product065-04191HPLC purity is not a verified mass-fraction concentration. | ≥99.5% (HPLC) | 100 mL | $176.00USD · US list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 065-04191 (opens new tab) |
Sigma-Aldrich
Formic Acid
ACS reagent
100 mL
695076-100ML- Public price
- $64.10USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 mL
695076-500ML- Public price
- $104.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
COA lookup on product page (opens new tab)SDSCheck supplierCOO lookup on product page (opens new tab)
Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- A product-specific Certificate of Origin retrieval option was visible; no origin certificate was reviewed. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
TCI
Formic Acid
Check supplier
Concentration specification; not a separate purity claim.
300 mL
F0513- Public price
- £16.00GBP · UK public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedDifferent currency / market
Documentation
Document notes: TCI
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
FUJIFILM Wako
Formic Acid
For HPLC · “abt. 99%” product
HPLC purity is not a verified mass-fraction concentration.
25 mL
063-04192- Public price
- $69.00USD · US list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
100 mL
065-04191- Public price
- $176.00USD · US list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Documentation evidence
COA = Certificate of Analysis · SDS = Safety Data Sheet · COO = Certificate of Origin.
Lookup means a retrieval option was visible, not that a lot certificate was reviewed. Check supplier means availability or the applicable document was not verified.
Prices may vary by quantity, account, contract, geography, and availability. These products have different grades, assay bases, or forms; no normalized comparison is shown. Foreign-market prices are reference listings only. No currency conversion, mass-to-volume conversion, or ranking is applied. Confirm equivalent specifications and a current quote before comparison. [4] [5] [6]
Verification limits & placement policy
UK concentration-based pricing and US HPLC assay pricing describe different specifications. No cross-currency or concentration-normalized comparison is made.
Only the displayed identity, specification, packages, public prices and stated documentation evidence were reviewed. Current stock, lead times, shipping eligibility, contract pricing, lot certificates, and regulatory suitability are unverified.
There are no paid placements. Future paid listings will show “Sponsored” in both views; payment will not determine chemistry interpretation or imply a ranking.
07
PLAN A LARGER ORDER
Need Formic Acid in Bulk?
Turn your requirements into a clear supplier brief.
Bulk RFQ feature — coming soon. Prototype form: submissions are not currently sent to suppliers. Use sample details to prepare an on-screen brief.
Prepare a bulk request Prototype form
08
A BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Before You Buy Formic Acid
Selections remain only while this page is open.
09
FOR YOUR REFERENCE
Formic Acid Technical Reference
Identity, product reference properties, and handling context.
Identification Names, formula & identifiers
- Principal CAS
- 64-18-6
- Identity focus
- Concentrated liquid / solutions
- Formula
- CH₂O₂
- Molecular weight
- 46.025 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- formic acid
- Connectivity SMILES
- C(=O)O
- PubChem CID
- 284
Connectivity SMILES describes connectivity; it is not an independent stereochemical assignment. CAS and product-form distinctions are supported by the supplier listings. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Physical Properties Product references & conditions
Sigma’s product lists water miscibility, melting range 8.2–8.4 °C, and density 1.22 g/mL at 25 °C. Do not apply this density to all aqueous concentrations. [4] [5] [6]
Hydrate, concentration, stereoisomer, and temperature can change the relevant specification. Product reference data are not a reviewed lot certificate.
Acid/Base Properties Verified values & missing data
Reference pKa: ≈3.75 (20–25 °C references). [2]
UK concentration-based pricing and US HPLC assay pricing describe different specifications. No cross-currency or concentration-normalized comparison is made.
Temperature, ionic strength, and the use of activities versus concentrations matter in quantitative work. These reference values are not buffer recipes.
Safety Product-specific SDS
Review the current SDS for the exact product.
Match chemical form, concentration, region, and product code. Use its handling, storage, incompatibility, first-aid and disposal guidance alongside the workplace risk assessment.
A current regional SDS remains to be verified; the supplier documentation field says Check supplier. This profile is not a substitute for that document.
Review supplier documentation10
COMMON QUESTIONS
Formic Acid FAQ
What distinguishes Formic Acid?
A hydrogen is attached directly to the carboxyl carbon. There is no methyl or longer carbon chain. [1]
How does it differ from Acetic Acid?
Acetic acid adds a methyl group to the carboxyl carbon. Formic acid is the stronger carboxylic acid in the cited aqueous reference conditions, but that is not a universal performance ranking. [7]
What must a buyer specify?
Specify mass-fraction concentration and analytical impurity limits separately from HPLC assay. [4]
Are the listed products directly price-comparable?
No. The table retains differing grades, assay bases, forms, and markets. No normalized ranking or currency conversion is applied. [5]
What reference data still need checking?
UK concentration-based pricing and US HPLC assay pricing describe different specifications. No cross-currency or concentration-normalized comparison is made. [6]
Can I request a bulk quote here?
The RFQ is a prototype that prepares an on-screen brief. Nothing is sent to suppliers. Confirm actual bulk terms directly with the supplier. [4]
11
TRACE THE INFORMATION
Sources & Editorial Notes
Identity and compiled reference values are separated from supplier-specific specifications. Structural comparisons and buyer guidance are editorial interpretation. Sources were checked October 3, 2026; supplier information can change.
- PubChem · chemical identity (opens new tab)
Official PUG REST identity record: formula, molecular weight, IUPAC name, and connectivity SMILES.
- PubChem · dissociation references (opens new tab)
Compiled reference entries; their methods and conditions matter. Citric acid’s displayed stepwise values are from the linked Sigma specification.
- PubChem · applications (opens new tab)
Compiled application references; uses of derivatives are distinguished from direct use of the acid.
- Sigma-Aldrich · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product listing checked October 3, 2026. Product-specific grade, assay, package, public price and documentation retrieval evidence.
- TCI · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product listing checked October 3, 2026. Product-specific grade, assay, package, public price and documentation retrieval evidence.
- FUJIFILM Wako · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product listing checked October 3, 2026. Product-specific grade, assay, package, public price and documentation retrieval evidence.
- Acetic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Primary comparison identity. Explanations of structural differences are editorial interpretation of verified identities.
- Propionic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related chemical identity; relevance is based on structure or the stated application relationship.
- Butyric Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related chemical identity; relevance is based on structure or the stated application relationship.
- Acetic Acid · acid–base reference (opens new tab)
The primary comparison’s pKa source; reference conditions are preserved.
- OpenStax · Citric acid cycle (opens new tab)
Succinate and fumarate in the citric acid cycle; salts/ions are distinguished from purchased free acids.
Review limits
UK concentration-based pricing and US HPLC assay pricing describe different specifications. No cross-currency or concentration-normalized comparison is made.
This informational prototype is not a supplier, quotation service, or endorsement of a product’s fitness for an application. Buyers should verify the applicable specification, certification, and regulatory requirements for their intended use.