Formic acid is formally known as methanoic acid. Although formic acid is not commonly employed as a solvent, it is interesting as an example of a protic solvent with high acidity. Formic acid and its salts are caustic and can cause skin sensitization. The eyes are somewhat irritated by sodium formate. Because it cannot eliminate iron oxide deposits when used alone, it is combined with citric acid or HCl.
In the group of saturated monocarboxylic acids, it is widely used in key industrial chemicals. As a reducing agent, it is used to decrease sodium and potassium dichromate.