FORMIC ACID

(CH,O,), an acid originally extracted by water from crushed ants (Lat. formica, an ant), but now prepared from a mixture of glycerine and crystallized oxalic acid. It is contained in human sweat and the common nettle. It is a monobasic acid, and yields salts known as formates. It is a colourle volatile liquid, with pungent odour, and produces intense irritation on the skin.