Comparing E236 - Formic acid vs E338 - Phosphoric acid
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 11 products
Found in 4,566 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is formic acid a strong acid?
No—formic acid is a weak acid in water (pKa ≈ 3.75), though concentrated solutions are corrosive.
What is formic acid used for?
As E236, it’s used mainly as an antimicrobial preservative and acidity regulator (especially in animal feed and silage), and outside food in leather/textile processing, rubber coagulation, beekeeping, and as a chemical intermediate.
What does formic acid smell like?
It has a sharp, pungent, vinegar-like odor that’s acrid and stingy (reminiscent of ant stings).
What does formic acid do to the body?
At low food-use levels it’s metabolized to formate and then to carbon dioxide, but concentrated exposure irritates and can burn skin, eyes, and airways; large ingestions may cause metabolic acidosis and systemic toxicity.
Does formic acid have hydrogen bonding?
Yes—its carboxyl group donates and accepts hydrogen bonds, often forming dimers, which contributes to its relatively high boiling point.
Is phosphoric acid bad for you?
At permitted food levels it’s considered safe (GRAS in the U.S.; EFSA sets a group ADI for phosphates of 40 mg/kg bw/day as phosphorus). Overconsumption—especially via acidic soft drinks—can contribute to dental enamel erosion, and high phosphate intakes may be a concern for people with kidney disease.
Is phosphoric acid a strong acid?
No—it's a weak, triprotic acid (pKa ≈ 2.15, 7.2, 12.3), though concentrated solutions are corrosive.
What is phosphoric acid used for?
In foods it’s used as an acidulant to add tartness and control pH (e.g., in colas) and as a sequestrant/antioxidant to stabilize color and flavor.
What does phosphoric acid do to the body?
It dissociates into phosphate ions, which are essential for bones and energy metabolism, while the acid load is buffered and excreted. High intakes from acidic drinks can erode tooth enamel, and excess phosphate may be problematic in kidney disease or with low calcium intake.
What is the formula for phosphoric acid?
H3PO4.