Safety data for formic acid

General

Synonyms: formylic acid, hydrogen carboxylic acid, methanoic acid, aminic acid
Molecular formula: CH₂O₂
CAS No: 64-18-6
EC No: 200-597-1
Annex I Index No: 607-001-00-0

Physical data

Appearance: colourless liquid
Melting point: 8.5 C
Boiling point: 100 - 101 C
Specific gravity: 1.22
Vapour pressure: 44.8 mm Hg at 20 C (vapour density 1.6)
Flash point: 54 C
Explosion limits: 18% - 57%
Autoignition temperature: 1004 F

Stability

Stable. Substances to be avoided include strong bases, strong oxidizing agents and powdered metals, furfuryl alcohol. Combustible. Hygroscopic. Pressure may build up in tightly closed bottles, so bottles should be opened carefully and vented periodically.

Toxicology

Corrosive, causes severe burns. Harmful by inhalation, ingestion and through skin absorption. Readily absorbed through skin. Very destructive of mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Severe eye irritant. Inhalation may be fatal. Typical OEL 5 ppm.

Toxicity data
(The meaning of any abbreviations which appear in this section is given here.)
ORL-RAT LD50 1100 mg kg^-1
IHL-RAT LC50 15 g/m3/15m
ORL-MUS LD50 7000 mg kg^-1
IPR-MUS LD50 940 mg kg^-1
ORL-WMN LDLO 2.44 mg kg^-1
IVN-RBT LDLO 239 mg kg^-1

Risk phrases
(The meaning of any risk phrases which appear in this section is given here.)
R35. (R35 is the only risk phrase given in Annex I. However, clearly a strongly corrosive material can cause serious harm if inhaled or ingested, so this should be treated as though R20 R21 R22 were also specified.)

Transport information

(The meaning of any UN hazard codes which appear in this section is given here.)
UN No 1779. Hazard class 8.0. Packing group II. Transport category 2.

Personal protection

Safety glasses. Good ventilation.

Safety phrases
(The meaning of any safety phrases which appear in this section is given here.)
S23 S26 S36 S37 S39 S45.