The formic acid is an organic acid naturally produced by ants, bees, and other animals and insects as a defense mechanism and is effective against the varroa mite. It is naturally produced and also synthesized in laboratories. Therefore, it can be purchased at a good price for medicinal uses and applications such as treating warts in humans and daily life, as well as producing different forms, among which its anhydrous and 85% form stand out due to their properties, with pKa detailed in the safety data sheet.
Contents
What is formic acid
Also known as “methanoic acid,” it is an acid with a single carbon atom. This characteristic makes it the simplest of all known organic acids.
Its discovery originated from the study of red ants, where it was detected as part of the venom they inject when they bite. It was later confirmed that other animal or insect species also use the same substance called formic acid to harm rivals or prey.
Even its name derives from ants, Formicidae, which comes from the Latin “formica,” meaning ant. These insects share a common origin with wasps and bees, which diverged over time, and that is why they use the same substance for defense, formic acid.
Formula, properties, and characteristics
- Formic acid formula: CH2O2 (H-COOH).
- pKa: 3.74.
- Type: strong acid.
- Density: 1.22 g/cm³.
- CAS: 64-18-6³.
- Density: 1218.3 kg/m³.
- Molar mass: 46.03 g/mol.
- Melting point: 281.5 K or 8 °C.
- Boiling point: 373.8 K or 101 °C.
- Viscosity: 1.789 cP, 20 °C.
pKa represents the probability or strength of molecular dissociation. It is used as a method to measure whether an acid is weak or strong. The pKa value of formic acid is 3.74. As a reference value for another element, also considered strong and corrosive, acetic acid has a pKa of 4.76.
You can find the rest of its properties, characteristics, and usage methods in the formic acid safety data sheet or MSDS.
Where it is found
- In ants.
- Bees.
- Wasps.
- Nettles.
- In certain types of bacteria.
- In honey from beekeeping.
- In the troposphere.
Formic acid in ants
It causes itching and pain and is used as a defensive method by formicids. Formic acid from ants poses no danger or toxicity to humans since the amount is very small. However, because ant colonies and nests contain millions of individuals, being bitten by many of them could trigger a reaction. In some cases, a red ant bite can cause skin redness and itching.
Varroa and beekeeping
In this case, it is a beekeeping treatment available in liquid form to treat varroa. This type of mite is resistant to other products. It causes a disease called varroosis.
It mainly attacks bees during the larval and pupal stages when they are open or capped brood, but it can also affect adult specimens.
Currently, it is one of the most difficult plagues to eradicate in beehives, leading to a significant loss of income for beekeepers. Therefore, using formic acid for varroa is very useful.
Formic acid for warts
There are different pharmaceuticals and preparations with medicinal uses for removing warts and calluses.
Indeed, formic acid for wart removal is widely used. Using a pen or applicator, a small amount can be applied to the irregular skin tissue caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Since it is a colorless liquid, it leaves no visible marks on the skin, which is highly beneficial during treatment. For warts, methanoic or formic acid penetrates the tissue and dries them from the inside, causing them to deteriorate and eventually fall off over time.
Stratosphere
According to the latest measurements, a significant amount of this substance is present in the stratosphere, contributing to acid rain along with sulfurous acid and the properties of sulfur dioxide. It is believed that around 1,000 tons of formic acid come directly from the secretions of Amazonian ants.
Bees
They have a higher concentration of this type of venom. A bee sting delivers a greater amount of formic acid, causing a more extensive reaction than that of ants.
Nettles
Among the various plant species, nettles also produce formic acid. The hives, itching, and redness they cause are due to this substance.
In urine
People exposed to methanol, especially those working with chemicals, may absorb small doses of formic acid into their bodies. Minor traces can appear because it is a byproduct of methanol metabolism.
The human body has an enzyme called hepatic tetrahydrofolate (THF), responsible for breaking down formic acid within the body. Imbalances in these enzymes and excessive exposure to methanol, whether through inhalation or dermal contact, can lead to accumulation. Additionally, some bacteria and pathogens such as *Escherichia coli* or enterococci can produce it. This occurs via the pyruvic acid or pyruvate reaction, catalyzed by the enzyme pyruvate-formate lyase.
Uses and applications of formic acid
The largest natural source to date was obtained by grinding ants in a mortar. The resulting substance is rich in formic acid with the following applications:
- Removing warts.
- Leather tanning.
- Dyes.
- Removing lime deposits from brass and metals.
Fortunately, modern formic acid production now relies on carbon monoxide. The old method of crushing insects has been replaced by more advanced processes, allowing the chemical industry to synthesize it without harming animals.
Mixing it with water
One of the most common methods to dissociate and remove it from various surfaces is by applying water. Whether by adding H2O to the mixture or spraying it onto formic acid-contaminated surfaces, the following reaction occurs:
- HCOOH + H2O —–> H3O+ + HCOO-
Side effects
- Sore throat.
- Itching.
- Pain in the affected area.
- Burning sensation in the digestive tract.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Skin burns.
- Blurred vision.
- Eye pain.