Formic acid is also known as methanolic acid and is the simplest carboxylic acid. Formic acid has the chemical formula H2CO2 and completely miscible with water. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent, vinegar-like odor; and ten times strong acid than acetic acid. Formic acid occurs in some insects like ants and bees naturally. Formic acid contains a single carboxylic acid group linked to the hydrogen atom.

Formic acid has prepared with many methods. But the most common process to obtain formic acid is reacting sodium form-ate with sulfuric acid or treating form-amide with sulfuric acid. There is another method for its preparation which is the hydrolysis of methyl for-mate.