What Is The Acid in Calcium Formate?
Jan 01, 2024
Introduction
Calcium formate is a popular acid salt that has a wide range of applications in various industries. It is a white crystalline substance that is easily soluble in water and has a slightly bitter taste. Calcium formate is commonly used as a food additive, a concrete accelerator, and a feed preservative. However, many people are not aware of the acid present in calcium formate. In this article, we will explore the acid in calcium formate and its properties in detail.
What is Calcium Formate?
Calcium formate, also known as calcium diformate, is a salt of formic acid and calcium. Its chemical formula is Ca(HCOO)2. It is produced by reacting calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide with formic acid. Calcium formate is typically available commercially as a white crystalline powder or granules.
Acid in Calcium Formate
The acid present in calcium formate is formic acid. Formic acid is an organic carboxylic acid with the chemical formula HCOOH. It is a colorless, corrosive, and pungent liquid with a strong odor. Formic acid is found naturally in various organisms, such as ants and bees, and is produced commercially by chemical synthesis.
Properties of Formic Acid
Formic acid has several properties that make it useful in various applications. Some of these properties are:
- Corrosive: Formic acid is highly corrosive and can cause burns upon contact with skin or eyes.
- Pungent odor: Formic acid has a strong, pungent odor that is noticeable even at low concentrations.
- Solubility: Formic acid is highly soluble in water and many other organic solvents.
- Low melting and boiling points: Formic acid has a low melting point of 8.4 °C and a boiling point of 100.8 °C.
- Reducing agent: Formic acid is a good reducing agent and can reduce various metal ions and organic compounds.
Applications of Formic Acid
Formic acid has a wide range of applications in various industries such as:
- Leather industry: Formic acid is used in the tanning of leather as it helps to lower the pH of the hides and allows for better penetration of tanning agents.
- Textile industry: Formic acid is used in dyeing and finishing of textiles as it helps to neutralize the alkali used in the process.
- Agriculture: Formic acid is used as a preservative for silage and other animal feed as it helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Pharmaceuticals: Formic acid is used in the production of several drugs and pharmaceuticals such as Vitamin B1, cortisone, and cephalosporin.
- Chemical industry: Formic acid is used in the production of several chemicals such as formates, oxalic acid, and formamide.
Calcium Formate as a Concrete Accelerator
Calcium formate is used as a concrete accelerator as it helps to accelerate the setting and hardening of concrete. When added to concrete, calcium formate reacts with the calcium hydroxide present in the concrete to form calcium carbonate and formic acid. The formic acid then reacts with the calcium silicate hydrates in the concrete to accelerate their formation and increase the strength of the concrete.
Calcium formate is also less corrosive than other concrete accelerators such as calcium chloride and does not cause discoloration of the concrete.
Calcium Formate as a Feed Preservative
Calcium formate is used as a feed preservative for animal feed. It helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in the feed and prevents spoilage. Calcium formate is also a good source of calcium for animals and can help to improve bone health.
Calcium formate is more effective than other feed preservatives such as propionic acid and sodium benzoate and has no toxic effects on animals.
Calcium Formate as a Food Additive
Calcium formate is used as a food additive in various foods such as bread, cheese, and sausages. It helps to increase the shelf life of these foods by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Calcium formate is also a good source of calcium for humans and can help to improve bone health. However, it is not recommended to consume large amounts of calcium formate as it can cause stomach upset and other adverse effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the acid present in calcium formate is formic acid. Formic acid is a highly useful and versatile chemical that has a wide range of applications in various industries. Calcium formate, which is a salt of formic acid and calcium, is used as a concrete accelerator, a feed preservative, and a food additive due to its unique properties. It is important to use calcium formate and formic acid safely and in the recommended amounts to prevent any adverse effects.