Formic acid
a. Formic acid occurs in nature and is produced by synthesis. It is a mobile, colorless, caustic liquid that slightly fumes in air and has an irritating odor. It is used in dyeing, tanning, latex coagulation, as an antiseptic in medicine, or in organic synthesis.
b. The main salts of formic acid are:
1) Sodium formate (H-COO-Na). A melting crystalline white powder; used in medicine, tanning and in organic synthesis;
2) Calcium formate ((Н-СОО)2Са). Crystals;
3) Aluminum formate ((Н-СОО)3Аl). A white powder used in the textile industry as a mordant and for imparting water-repellent properties. There is also basic formate, usually supplied as an aqueous solution;
4) Nickel formate ((H-COO)2Ni). Used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of oil.
c. The main complex esters of formic acid are:
1) Methyl formate (Н-СОО-СН3). A colorless liquid with a pleasant odor;
2) ethyl formate (H-COO-C2H5). A colorless, mobile, volatile and flammable liquid with a rum-like odor;
3) benzyl-, bornyl-, citronellyl-, geranyl-, isobornyl-, linalyl-, menthyl-, phenethyl-, rhodinyl- and terpenyl formates. Used mainly in perfumery
Source: "Explanations to the Harmonized System of Goods for Foreign Economic Activity of the Russian Federation (HS of Russia)" (prepared by the Federal Customs Service of Russia) (volume 1, sections I - VI, groups 1 - 29)