What is formic acid used for?

An acid is a molecule or substance that has a pH value of less than 7.0 when it is present in an aqueous solution. Formic acid (HCOOH) is the simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon. It is a colourless and fuming liquid. It has a pungent odour. It can be prepared in the form of its esters by treatment of carbon monoxide with an alcohol such as methanol (methyl alcohol) in the presence of a catalyst.

Occurrence:

Formic acid occurs naturally in various sources like the venom of bee, ant stings and the Nettle leaf sting. It is a useful organic synthetic reagent.

Uses: 

The formic acid is used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. The spraying of formic acid arrests decay processes and retains the nutritive value of the feed, and is thus used to preserve winter feed for cattle. It is used in the manufacturing of leather and rubber.