| |
Formic acid (methanoic acid, HCOOH) is a colorless liquid with a sharp odor. It is soluble in water, various alcohols, acetone and ether. Most applications require formic acid in concentrations of 85%, 90%, 94% or 99%; the 85% product accounts for the major portion of global demand and is considered the industry standard. Major applications include silage and animal feed preservation, leather and tanning, textiles, formate salts, pharmaceuticals/food chemicals, rubber chemicals (antiozonants and coagulants), catalysts and plasticizers. In many instances, formic acid is used to regulate the pH of chemical processes.
Europe is the largest consumer of formic acid because of large silage and animal feed preservation markets—two applications that are developing in most other regions. Leather and tanning applications account for large markets in Central and South America, the Middle East, India, the Republic of Korea and Europe (Italy, Spain and France). In India and Southeast Asia, the textile and rubber markets are also large consumers of formic acid.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of formic acid by region:
World growth prospects for formic acid are good. The main factors behind this growth are:
- Significant demand growth in animal feeds as a growth promoter and preservative, particularly in Europe. This market is expected to grow quickly in other regions as demand for meat is increasing in developing countries.
Increased production of leather, natural rubber and pharmaceuticals/food chemicals, mainly in Asia.
World growth prospects are highest in animal feed, where formic acid is used as a growth promoter and a preservative. Lower labor and capital costs and a rapidly growing market have made China the top choice for additional investment/capacity. |
