Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid. It's a colorless liquid with various industrial application:
- Preservative and Antibacterial Agent: Used in livestock feed to prevent spoilage.
- Textile Industry: Used in textile dyeing and finishing processes.
- Chemical Industry: Used as a reducing agent and as a starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals.
- Food Industry: Used as a flavoring agent and preservative in certain foods.