Formic Acid
The most basic type of carboxylic acid is formic acid, also referred to as methanoic acid. Formic acid has the chemical formula HCOOH (CH2O2). The following diagram depicts formic acid’s structure:
Ants produce formic acid. Keep in mind how it feels to get bitten by an ant. Right, it hurts like it’s burning there. The acid from the ant’s body penetrates our body, causing pain. One of the most significant weak acids is regarded to be formic acid. Under normal temperature and pressure, it appears to be a fuming, white liquid. Additionally, it has an unpleasant smell that is both potent and penetratingly pungent. Formic acid is frequently used to treat leather and textiles, which is one of its common applications or uses. Formic acid can be produced in the form of its esters in addition to being a naturally occurring substance in ant bodies. Methyl alcohol and carbon monoxide combine when a catalyst is present.
Here we cover some of the fundamental characteristics of formic acids. This acid has a molar mass of 46.03 grams and a density of 1.22 grams per milliliter. Formic acid freezes at 8.4 degrees Celsius while boiling at 100.3 degrees Celsius. Given that it has a pKa value of 3.745, it can be easily dissolved in water.
Additionally, formic acid and other organic solvents like acetone are miscible. The mixture of glycerol, ethanol, and methanol may also be only partially soluble in other aromatic substances, such as benzene and toluene. In hydrocarbons that form hydrogen-bonded dimers rather than as individual molecules, this acid is slightly miscible. The ideal gas law is broken by formic acid.
Weak Acids
Weak acids as the name suggests are the acid with less acidic characteristics i.e., less concentration of Hydrogen ions. Weak acids are much more useful than strong acids in our daily life, as strong acids are corrosive to touch. All the daily activities involved using of weak acids, from food to cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals to farming, use of weak acids can be seen extensively. In this article, we will learn about weak acids, various examples, characteristics, and their use in various daily activities. Other than that, we will also learn about the acid dissociative constant and pH of weak acids. So, let’s start our journey into the world of acetic acid.