methanoic acid

Chemistry, Natural sciences, Organic chemistry, Physical sciences The simplest carboxylic acid, HCOOH, a colorless, corrosive liquid with a sharp odor; it is present in the stings of ants, bees and nettles, and is prepared industrially by oxidation of methanol or formaldehyde; it has some industrial uses, and its esters, the methanoates, are used in perfumes.