Properties of Formic Acid (CH2O2)
Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is a simple organic compound with the chemical formula CH2O2. It is a colorless, pungent-smelling liquid that occurs naturally in some plants and animal venoms. Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid and is widely used in various industrial applications, including the production of textiles and leather.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of formic acid properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 46.03 g/mol |
| Density | 1220 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity | 1.773 mPa·s |
| Surface Tension | 37.58 mN/m |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 8.3 °C |
| Boiling Point | 101 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.274 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 2152 J/kg·K |
| Vapor Pressure | 4.6 kPa |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 315 °C |
| Critical Molar Volume (Vc) | 116 cm3/mol |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (εr) (25°C) | 51.1 |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.3714 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| Flash Point | 69 °C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 601 °C |
| Lower Flammability Limit | 18% |
| Upper Flammability Limit | 57% |
| NFPA Rating (Health) | 3 |
| NFPA Rating (Fire) | 2 |
| NFPA Rating (Reactivity) | 0 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.