Introduction to the Formic Acid Production Process and Flow

I. Overview

Formic acid (formic acid) is the simplest carboxylic acid and is widely used in leather tanning, textile printing and dyeing, rubber additives, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and chemical synthesis. The following are the main industrial production routes for formic acid:

Methanol carbonylation (mainstream process)

Methyl formate hydrolysis

Oxalic acid hydrogenation

Carbon dioxide and hydrogen synthesis (emerging green process)

II. Main Production Processes

1. Methanol carbonylation (most commonly used)

Raw materials: methanol (CH₃OH), carbon monoxide (CO)

Reaction: In the presence of a catalyst, methanol and carbon monoxide react to form methyl formate (HCOOCH₃), which is then hydrolyzed to produce formic acid.

Reaction equation:

CH₃OH + CO → HCOOCH₃

HCOOCH₃ + H₂O → HCOOH + CH₃OH

Features: Byproduct methanol can be recycled, the process is mature, and the cost is low, making it the most widely used method.

2. Methyl Formate Hydrolysis Method

Methyl formate is directly hydrolyzed to produce formic acid via acid- or base-catalyzed hydrolysis.

Suitable for small-scale production, the process is simple, but the raw material cost is relatively high.

3. Oxalic Acid Hydrogenation Method

Oxalic acid is used as the raw material to produce formic acid through catalytic hydrogenation under high temperature and high pressure conditions.

Due to raw material source and cost limitations, it is currently less widely used.

4. Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation Method (New Green Process)

Formic acid or formate salts are synthesized using CO₂ and H₂ as raw materials over a catalyst.

Environmentally friendly, with a wide range of raw material sources, but the catalyst and process are still in the research and development and optimization stage.

III. Production Process Overview (Taking Methanol Carbonylation as an Example)

Raw Material Pretreatment: Methanol Refining; Carbon Monoxide Purification (Removal of Impurities such as Sulfur and Oxygen)

Synthesis Reaction: Methanol + CO → Methyl Formate

Separation and Recovery: Methyl formate is separated from by-products, and unreacted methanol is recycled

Hydrolysis: Methyl formate reacts with water to produce formic acid and methanol

Distillation and Purification: Formic acid is separated from methanol to obtain the desired formic acid concentration (85%, 90%, 99%)

Product Storage: The finished formic acid is stored in sealed containers to avoid direct skin contact.