17 Formic Acid Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for formic acid as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 17 formic acid manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked formic acid companies as of April, 2024: 1.KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC., 2.Barentz US, 3.Eastman Chemical Co..
Table of Contents
What Is Formic Acid?
Formic Acid is an organic acid with one carboxy group. It was first obtained by distillation of ants (Latin: formica, hence the name). It is also known as methanoic acid.
Formic Acid in high concentrations is toxic and corrosive to the skin, so it should be handled with care.
Uses of Formic Acid
Formic Acid is used in a wide range of fields, including dyeing, rubber, leather, medicine, fragrances, and chemistry.
Specific uses include the following:
- Preservatives and antibacterial agents in livestock feed
- Metal treatment
- Rubber latex coagulant
- Semiconductor cleaning agents
- Bleaching and dyeing auxiliaries for textiles
- For leather processing
- Lime scale removers and other cleaning products
Formic acid can also be used in the chemical industry as a raw material for formic acid compounds, formic acid polymers, solvents, synthetic resin catalysts, etc. For example, by esterifying formic acid, it is used in fragrances that impart fruit aromas, as well as in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Formic acid aqueous solution is also being attempted to be used as a fuel because of its excellent safety and environmental cyclicity, with no possibility of combustion or explosion.
Properties of Formic Acid
Formic Acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Its melting point is 8.40°C and boiling point is 100.75°C. It is soluble in many polar solvents and hydrocarbons as well as water. Aqueous solutions of formic acid are the most acidic of the monovalent aliphatic carboxylic acids.
As such, it is more strongly acidic than acetic acid. Formic acid, as a carboxylic acid, has unique properties. For example, it can react with alkenes to yield formic acid esters.
Formic acid decomposes upon heating to water and carbon monoxide. Oxidation produces carbonic acid.
Structure of Formic Acid
Formic Acid has a molar mass of 46.025. It has both carboxy and aldehyde groups in its molecule, making it both acidic and reducing. It exhibits few Fehling reactions, although silver mirror reactions due to its reducing nature do occur.
When dissolved in hydrocarbons or in gas, it forms carboxylic acid dimers by hydrogen bonding.
Other Information on Formic Acid
1. How to Synthesize Formic Acid
Formic Acid is industrially obtained by synthesizing sodium formic acid by the reaction of carbon monoxide and sodium hydroxide under high pressure and acidifying it with sulfuric acid.
To concentrate, the aqueous solution is first cooled strongly to precipitate crystals of formic acid. Separated in a rectifying column and distilled with the addition of propyl formic acid, the distillate can be divided into two layers. Distillation of the propyl formate layer yields pure formic acid.
2. Synthesis of Formic Acid with Methanol and Carbon Monoxide
Formic Acid can also be produced from carbon monoxide and methanol. First, the reaction of carbon monoxide and methanol in the presence of a strong base produces methyl formic acid.
Formic acid can then be obtained by hydrolysis of methyl formate. The reaction to produce methyl esters is industrially carried out under high-pressure liquid phase. Specifically, the reaction is carried out at 80°C and 40 atmospheres using sodium methoxide.
In addition, a large excess of water is required for efficient methyl ester hydrolysis. Therefore, hydrolysis via other compounds is also possible. For example, methyl formic Acid can be reacted with ammonia to produce formamide, which can then be hydrolyzed using sulfuric acid.
2. Related Compounds of Formic Acid
Formic Acid ionizes to form the formic acid ion (HCOO-). Salts containing the formic acid ion are called formic acid salts.
Formic acid can be dehydration-condensed with alcohol to yield formic acid ester (HCOOR). Some formic acid esters are components of fruit aromas. For example:
- Ethyl formic acid (HCOOC2H5) is a component of peach, amyl
- Formic Acid (HCOOC5H11) is a component of apple, and isoamyl
- Formic Acid (HCOOCH2C2CH(CH3)2) is a component of pear aroma.
List of 17 Formic Acid Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Australia
- Japan
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Vigon International
Formic Acid
Manufacturer Overview
Vigon International is headquartered in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and is a subsidiary of Azelis. The company is a custom manufacturer of fragrances and flavor products used in cosmetics, food processing, and related industries. The company’s compounds originate from dozens of fruits, herbs, and spices grown in regions as diverse as California, Germany, Brazil, and Indonesia. The company’s custom processing capabilities include adding reaction flavors such as Maillard in batches from 1 to 5,000kg, vacuum distillations, essential oil folding and concentration, and emulsion production.
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SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp
Formic Acid
Manufacturer Overview
Based in Bayville, NY, SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp. is an ISO-certified supplier and manufacturer of industrial equipment, chemicals, components, ordinance, electronics, and systems for industries ranging from aerospace to high tech to law enforcement. Examples of product offerings include raw materials, chemicals, and lubricants for industrial purposes to finished products such as security helmets for law enforcement, and military ordnances. SAE also provides research and development as well as technical support for other companies in similar industries.
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ProChem, Inc.
Formic Acid
Manufacturer Overview
ProChem, Inc was founded in 9186 and is headquartered in Rockford, Illinois. The company is a manufacturer of high-purity inorganic chemicals and materials including rare earth, sputtering targets, and organometallic compounds. The company serves numerous industries including research and manufacturing and has collaborated with such organizations as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The company offers custom synthesis of advanced materials, product-specific packaging, purification services, and costume blending and tooling of chemical compounds.
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GJ Chemical
Formic Acid
Company Overview
G.J. Chemical is a family-owned company based in Newark, New Jersey. G.J. Chemical serves chemical distributors, laboratories, and a variety of end users with high purity chemical products and custom services. G.J. Chemical capabilities include testing, bulk storage, custom blending, liquid bulk handling, and purifying. G.J. Chemical’s chemical products include reagents, acrylate monomers, hand sanitizers, and isopropyl alcohol. These are made to USP, FCC, Reagent ACS, military grade, and other standards.
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ChemCeed LLC
Formic Acid
Company Overview
ChemCeed, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is a worldwide chemical supplier that is ISO 9001 certified. It provides chemicals like base oils, corrosion inhibitors, and specialty esters used in several industries, including construction, paper manufacturing, and water treatment. It also provides a broad selection of support services, including labeling, repackaging, and logistical support. The company stocks its products in several locations around the United States, including Chicago (IL), Philadelphia (PA, and Piscataway (NJ). In 2016, it received WBE certification and was NACD verified in 2023.
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Wego Chemical Group Inc
Formic Acid
Distributor Overview
Wego Chemical Group was founded in 1978 and headquartered in Great Neck, New York. WEGO is a full-service supplier and distributor of chemicals, minerals, and other raw materials to clients around the world. Markets and segments include agriculture & animal care, chemical & material manufacturing, construction & building materials, electronics, food & beverage, “household, industrial & institutional”, mining, oil & gas, personal care & pharmaceutical, paper & packaging, surface treatment, textiles, and water treatment.
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CLIAwaived,Inc
Formic Acid
Distributor Overview
CLIAwaived, Inc. was founded in 2003 and is based in Carlsbad, California. The company is a distributor of medical and laboratory-related equipment for individual and medical provider customers. The company’s primary product lines include testing supplies, women’s health, and other medical products & supplies. Among the types of testing supplies equipment are COVID-19 testing supplies, blood alcohol testing kits, drug testing tools, and health condition testing elements. Most orders placed before 8 PM Easter Time ship within 1 business day.
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KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC.
Formic acid
Manufacturer Overview
Kanto Chemical Co. Inc., founded in 1944 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a reagent manufacturer with overseas affiliates in other countries, including China, France, USA, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Its product portfolio includes analytical reagents, ionic liquids, Iodine compounds, ultra-pure chemicals, and water analysis kits. The company is also developing regenerative medicine and genetics reagents and has over 50,000 products. It has several certifications, including ISO 9001, acquired in 1994, making it the first Japanese company in the reagent industry. Other certifications are ISO 14001, ISO 13485, and ISO/IEC 17025.
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Junsei Chemical Co.,Ltd.
Formic Acid
Manufacturer Overview
Junsei Chemical Co. Ltd., established in 1948 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of chemical reagents and chemical products, including commissioned synthesis of chemical products. Some of the products it makes include Sodium chloride solution, concentrated glycerin, calcium chloride, ascorbic acid, and nitric acid. The chemical products have a wide range of applications and can be used in pathological examination, as food additives, for analysis, and in the pharmaceutical industry. All its plants, including its research institute, are ISO4001 and ISO9001 certified, while its Saitama and Ibaraki plants are equipped with buildings that comply with GMP.
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CORECHEM Inc.
Formic Acid -5%
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Redox
Formic Acid
Company Overview
Redox is an Australian distributor of chemical ingredients and raw materials founded in 1965 and based in Sydney. The company’s product inventory includes various coatings and resins, acids, preservatives, and water treatment chemicals. It also offers services such as developing and blending custom formulations, repacking, and warehousing for large custom orders. Redox supplies client manufacturers in a wide range of industries including textiles, pharmaceuticals, household consumer products, and agriculture. The company maintains multiple sales offices in Australia, the US, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
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Eastman Chemical Co.
Formic Acid -99%
Company Overview
Eastman Chemical was founded in 1920 and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. The company is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty chemicals, including coatings, adhesives, fibers, and plastics for industries such as automotive, medical, manufacturing, and construction. The company operates through four segments: Additives & Functional Products, Advanced Materials, Chemical Intermediates, and Fibers segments. Additives & Functional Products include food and fertilizer-based products. Advanced Materials include films and other chemicals used in transportation and electronics. Chemicals include phthalate plasticizers and other plastic products. Fibers include cigarette filters and other products.
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Reagents
Formic Acid
Company Overview
Reagents, established in 1997 and headquartered in New York, USA, is a manufacturer and distributor of laboratory chemicals and reagents. Serving academic institutions, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and other industries, the company offers a diverse range of products that encompass organic and inorganic chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, plastics, water treatment, and more. They provide biological stains and indicators for laboratory applications like cell culture and DNA analysis, along with culture media ingredients for microbial growth. Their product portfolio also caters to applications in batteries, pigments, and catalysts. Reagents' comprehensive offerings support education, research, and manufacturing processes across various sectors.
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Noah Chemicals Corporation
Formic Acid
Company Overview
Noah Chemicals Corporation was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company is a distributor of advanced materials and specialty chemicals for industries such as aerospace, agriculture, nuclear, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The company’s product categories include inorganic, evaporate materials, intermediates, rare earths, and ceramics. The company’s services include trial burns to help customers protect the environment, custom fertilizer development to produce more environmentally efficient fertilizers, and custom clean in place chemicals for equipment sanitization.
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CJ Chemicals
Formic Acid
Company Overview
CJ Chemicals is headquartered in Howell, Michigan. The company is a distributor and import supplier of the chemicals industry, storing a broach repository of more than 350 different chemicals. The company operates in four segments: warehousing & storage, shipping, import/export, and lab capabilities. Warehousing is done in the company’s warehouse in Toledo, Ohio at its 50,000 square foot facility. Shipping services include LTL and full truckload shipping nationwide. Import/export services serve global customers and suppliers. Lab capabilities including reverse engineering, formulating custom tailored products, technical support, and manufacturing of custom blends.
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S&P Global Inc.
Formic Acid
Company Overview
S&P Global Inc., established in New York, NY, in 1860, is a provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. Their products and services include market insight and analytics, real time news, geospatial data, and risk valuation data. The company serves markets such as shipping, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture, and energy transition. The company provides services in over 150 countries and their customers include government agencies, financial institutions, and professional service firms in law.
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Barentz US
Formic Acid
Distributor Overview
Barentz was founded in Amsterdam in 1953 and expanded to Avon, Ohio where its American headquarters is today. Barentz is a specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor that, with the acquisition of Maroon Group in December 2020, has a global reach in distributing chemicals to life sciences and broader specialty chemical industries. Barentz has seven product divisions including nutrition, plastics, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. Within these, the company distributes, various chemical additives, intermediates, minerals, and odor counteractant compounds.
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Formic Acid Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC. |
15.0%
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| 2 | Barentz US |
11.3%
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| 3 | Eastman Chemical Co. |
8.8%
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| 4 | ChemCeed LLC |
7.5%
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| 5 | Wego Chemical Group Inc |
7.5%
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| 6 | Junsei Chemical Co.,Ltd. |
7.5%
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| 7 | CORECHEM Inc. |
6.3%
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| 8 | ProChem, Inc. |
6.3%
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| 9 | Vigon International |
5.0%
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| 10 | Noah Chemicals Corporation |
5.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the formic acid page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC.: 1,062
- Junsei Chemical Co.,Ltd.: 171
Newly Established Company
- ProChem, Inc.: 1986 (38 years ago)
- Wego Chemical Group Inc: 1978 (46 years ago)
- Noah Chemicals Corporation: 1978 (46 years ago)
Company with a History
- S&P Global Inc.: 1909 (115 years ago)
- KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC.: 1944 (80 years ago)
- Junsei Chemical Co.,Ltd.: 1948 (76 years ago)
Formic Acid Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Vigon International
- SAE Manufacturing Specialties Corp
- ProChem, Inc.
- GJ Chemical
- ChemCeed LLC
- Wego Chemical Group Inc
- CLIAwaived,Inc
Global Distribution of Formic Acid Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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7 | 70.0% |
Japan
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2 | 20.0% |
Australia
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1 | 10.0% |
