Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is a colorless, pungent liquid with the chemical formula HCOOH. It is the simplest carboxylic acid and naturally occurs in the secretions of some ants, which use it as a defense mechanism. In industrial settings, formic acid has a wide range of applications. One of its primary uses is as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed, preventing the growth of mold and bacteria. Formic acid is also employed in the leather industry, where it assists in tanning and dyeing processes.

Another significant application of formic acid is in the production of various organic compounds, including formate salts, esters, and formamide, which are used in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and chemical manufacturing. Formic acid is a strong reducing agent and finds use in decolorizing and cleaning agents for textiles, paper, and leather. Additionally, it is utilized in the oil and gas industry for well stimulation and in the rubber and textile industries for dyeing and finishing processes. Its versatility and chemical properties make it a valuable industrial chemical.