Production Principles Of Formic Acid

Formic acid

Name

Formic acid

Molecular Formula

CH2O2

Molecular Weight

46.03

Density

1.22 g/cm³

Apperance

Colorless transparent smoke emitting liquid with strong pungent odor

Production Principles

Chemical Synthesis

The majority of commercially available formic acid is produced by the chemical synthesis of carbon monoxide and methanol in the presence of a catalyst. This method is known as the formox process, which stands for the formation of formic acid. The reaction takes place in a high-pressure reactor, in which carbon monoxide and methanol are fed at a certain ratio. These gases react in the presence of a catalyst to produce formic acid and water. The reaction is exothermic, and the heat generated is used to vaporize the water produced. The vapor mixture is then condensed to obtain liquid formic acid.

Bio-Synthesis

Formic acid can also be produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by certain bacteria, such as Pseudomonas formicicum, Acetobacterium woodii, and Clostridium thermoaceticum. The fermentation process produces formate, which can be converted to formic acid by chemical or biological methods. The bio-synthesis of formic acid is an environmentally friendly method, as it does not require the use of toxic chemicals or high temperatures and pressures.

Electrochemical Synthesis

The electrochemical method of formic acid production is based on the reduction of carbon dioxide using electricity. This method is also known as the formic acid fuel cell. The CO2 is first dissolved in water and converted to formate, which is then electrochemically reduced to formic acid in the presence of a catalyst. The advantage of this method is that it utilizes CO2 as a feedstock and produces formic acid as a fuel, which can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity.