Title: Performic Acid
CAS Registry Number: 107-32-4
CAS Name: Methaneperoxoic acid
Additional Names: peroxyformic acid; permethanoic acid; formyl hydroperoxide
Molecular Formula: CH2O3
Molecular Weight: 62.02
Percent Composition: C 19.37%, H 3.25%, O 77.39%
Line Formula: HCOOOH
Literature References: A strong oxidizing agent. A 90% soln is obtained when a mixture of 20 g formic acid, 25 g 100% H2O2 and 6.5 g H2SO4 is allowed to interact for 2 hrs and is then distilled: D'Ans, Kneip, Ber. 48, 1137 (1915); Greenspan, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 68, 907 (1946).
Properties: The 90% soln is a colorless liq. Prone to explode on contact with metals, their oxides, reducing substances, or on distillation. Has lower vapor pressure than formic acid. Miscible with water, alc, ether. Sol in benzene, chloroform. Solns are unstable, gassing being noticeable after a few hours, and the effective concn showing a definite decline in 2 hrs.
CAUTION: Irritant.
Use: For oxidation, epoxidation and hydroxylation reactions. |