formic

Formic acid is a colorless, pungent liquid with a chemical formula of HCOOH. It is the simplest carboxylic acid, naturally occurring in certain fruits and vegetables and in the venom of some ants. It has a wide range of industrial applications as a preservative, antibacterial agent, solvent, and in the production of textiles, leather, rubber, and other materials. It also has some medical applications and is used in organic chemistry reactions as a reducing agent. However, formic acid is highly corrosive and can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled in large quantities.