---
title: "Formic acid: research glossary | Sable Peptides"
description: "Formic acid (HCOOH) is the simplest carboxylic acid. In LC-MS of peptides it is the preferred mobile-phase additive, usually at 0.1%, because it provides p"
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publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
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---

Glossary

# Formic acid

Formic acid (HCOOH) is the simplest carboxylic acid. In LC-MS of peptides it is the preferred mobile-phase additive, usually at 0.1%, because it provides protons for positive-mode electrospray ionisation without the strong signal suppression caused by trifluoroacetic acid, although peak shapes may be slightly broader.

Source: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formic_acid)

## Related terms

-   [Trifluoroacetic acid](/glossary/trifluoroacetic-acid)
-   [Electrospray ionisation](/glossary/electrospray-ionisation)
-   [LC-MS](/glossary/lc-ms)

[Back to glossary A–Z](/glossary/terms)

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