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Do you know how formic acid was discovered? An amazing discovery by a British naturalist in the 17th century!
Formic acid is derived from the Latin word formica (meaning "ant"), and its systematic name is formic acid, which is the simplest carboxylic acid. The chemical formula of formic acid is HCOOH, and its structure can be simplified as H−C(=O)−O−H. This compound is an important intermediate in chemical synthesis and is ubiquitous in nature, especially in some ant species. The use of formic acid is said to date back to alchemists and naturalists in the early 15th century, who noticed acidic gases being released from anthills, but it was not until 1671 that the British naturalist John Ray first revealed the substance. separation process.
"Formic acid can be regarded as a 'self-defense weapon' for insects to some extent, because they use formic acid to attack and defend themselves."
The history of the discovery of formic acid
The process of obtaining formic acid is inseparable from ants. John Ray's research results made us realize for the first time that the ant acid secreted by ants is not only an acidic substance, but also has multiple uses. The isolation of this acid in the 1660s spurred subsequent explorations by chemists. It is worth mentioning that French chemist Joseph Gay Louvec first synthesized formic acid from hydrocyanic acid in 1815, and in 1855, chemist Marceline Bertello further developed a method for synthesizing formic acid from carbon monoxide. method.
Properties and applications of formic acid
Formic acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor at room temperature. Its acidic strength is approximately ten times that of acetic acid, making it useful in many chemical applications. For example, in agriculture, formic acid is used as a preservative and antibacterial agent for feed, especially in Europe. Formic acid can promote the fermentation of lactic acid and effectively extend the nutritional value of feed.
“Formic acid can act as a hydrogen-loving fuel, making it show potential in future energy applications.”
The participation of formic acid in chemical reactions
In addition to its agricultural applications, formic acid is also widely involved in various chemical reactions. Its unique feature is its ability to undergo addition reactions with alkenes to form formic esters. Under the conditions of high pressure, high temperature and strong alkali, the reaction of methanol and carbon monoxide produces formic acid. This conversion process is particularly important in today's industry.
Production and market of formic acid
As of 2009, the global production capacity of formic acid was 720,000 tons, with almost equal production in Europe and Asia. In this field, Germany's BASF company is one of the largest manufacturers. The price of formic acid also fluctuates with market demand, and it is mainly used in chemical synthesis and other industrial applications.
Safety and Risk
Although formic acid is less toxic and is allowed to be used as a food additive, concentrated formic acid is still corrosive to the skin. Long-term exposure to formic acid can cause kidney damage and possibly skin irritation. Therefore, care should be taken when handling formic acid and relevant safety regulations should be followed.
"In a sense, the discovery of formic acid not only reveals the mysteries of nature, but also opens a new chapter in chemical research."
Conclusion
The discovery and application of formic acid demonstrates how wonderful compounds in nature impact our lives and scientific progress. The journey of formic acid from its earliest natural existence to today’s industrial uses is thought-provoking. Have you ever thought about which natural substances can lead to more scientific discoveries in the future?
