E236 is formic acid.
Formic acid, systematically called methanoic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid. Formic acid (E236) belongs to the group of preservatives. It is found in many plants (nettles), fruit, secretions of insects (ants, bees and others).
It is obtained by various chemical methods, in a normal state it has the appearance of a colorless liquid. This additive is an important intermediate in chemical synthesis.
The Latin word for ant is "formica", referring to its early isolation by distillation of ants. The esters, salts and anions derived from formic acid are called formates. Industrially, formic acid is produced from methanol.
The dietary supplement is very dangerous for humans in the form of a concentrate, because in direct contact it can cause severe chemical burns, as it has the property of burning the fatty layer of the skin. E236 is particularly dangerous if it gets into the eyes or respiratory tract. In these cases, if the concentration is high, the supplement will damage the optic nerve, lead to blindness and severe necrotizing gastroenteritis.
With prolonged use, kidney and liver diseases develop. Formic acid is quickly processed and excreted from the body.
E236 is approved for use in the food industry. It is mainly used for:
- canning, in the production of soft drinks and confectionery (in cooking);
- as a preservative and antibacterial agent in the preparation of fodder for domestic animals (in agriculture);
- in the fight against parasites (in beekeeping);
- solvent (in the chemical industry).
E236 is actively used in medicine and is characterized by weak anti-inflammatory, intoxicating and irritating properties. Derivatives of the additive are also used, the main one being formaldehyde (methanal).
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