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Formic acid

Formic acid (more correctly called methanoic acid) is the simplest organic acid. Its formula is H₂C O₂, or HCOOH, structurally as follows:

     H
    /
 O=C
    \
     O
    /
   H

It is found in the stings and bites of many Hymenoptera, including bees, ants, and stinging nettle[?]. It is named for the Latin for ant, formica. This refer to the first discovery in the distillation product of ants.

Its anhydride[?] is carbon monoxide.

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