Chemistry Blog Project- Chris Jeffrey Period G

HCOOH 

• HCOOH (also can be written as HCO₂H) is a polar covalent molecule containing all polar bonds.
• In English words, HCOOH is called a variety of names: Methanoic acid, Formic acid, Oxocarbinic acid. It is most commonly referred to as Formic 

 

       This is a 3 dimensional picture of the molecule. The GRAY atom is the Carbon (the central atom), the RED atoms represent the two Oxygen atoms. The WHITE atoms represent the two Hydrogen atoms. In the picture, this is a single bar between the Carbon and the Hydrogen, the Carbon and the Oxygen, and the Hydrogen and the Oxygen. However, there are two bars connecting the Carbon and the Oxygen on the top. This means these two atoms have a double bond.

 

      This representation of the molecule doesn't show the actual shape of the molecule, but it is easier to see the different bonds between each atom. By looking at this representation, one can tell that this molecule is polar because if a molecule has only one or less lines of symmetry it is polar; this molecule has none. Also, there are parts of the molecule that are more negative than others (oxygen compared to hydrogen). One can tell the bonds are polar by looking at an electro-negativity chart: an arrow would be drawn from H pointing to C(2.2 to 2.5), H pointing to O(2.2 to 3.4), and C pointing to O(2.5 to 3.4). 

     If this molecule were to bond with itself, there would be several different forces that would hold it together.

1. London Dispersion Forces: an attraction caused by the movement of electrons creating a temporary dipole and a weak attraction. In the case of HCOOH, any molecule could bond with any other molecule.
2. Dipole Dipole: an attraction caused by the partially positive charge of one atom and the partially negative charge of another atom. 
3. Hydrogen Bonding: a special case of dipole dipole in which the Hydrogen of one atom bonds with the Nitrogen, Oxygen, or Fluorine of another. In this case, the Hydrogen of one HCOOH could bond with the Oxygen of another or vice versa. 

BUY FORMIC ACID!!

What is Formic Acid?- Formic acid is a chemical composed of Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Carbon that can be used for a variety of agricultural and household tasks.

What can it be used for?- HEY FARMERS, LOOK NO FURTHER FOR YOUR HAY AND LIVESTOCK FEED PRESERVATIVE!!

       Formic acid can be used as an antibacterial agent in hay and also is used to reduce the nutritional value loss in hay (helps retain nutrition). It also can be added to feed to kill E. Coli. 

What else?- Formic acid can be used as a limescale remover and a toilet bowl cleaner.

 And..?- Beekeepers can use formic acid to fight against Tracheal (Acarapic Woodi), parasite that preys on honey bees. 

  SO.. if you are a farmer, agriculturalist, beekeeper, honey collector, housewife (or husband), or you just want to get that annoying limescale off your pipes, kettles, or pots and pans, Formic Acid is something YOU should have!