The influence of formamide on the bactericidal action of selected chemical compounds

Abstract Formamide (20% aqueous solution) exerts a specific influence on the germicidal power of the saturated fatty acids, the bactericidal action on various micro‐organisms being increased fivefold to tenfold. The hydroxy‐acids are affected by formamide to a much less extent, as also are phenols, isopropyl alcohol, and acetone. The monoalkyl tartrate esters are germicidal to Bacterium aerogenes in concentrations from 1 in 250 to 1 in 500. Aliphatic esters, unlike the fatty acids, are not appreciably influenced in germicidal power by formamide. Acetamide and glycol have little effect on the bactericidal action of acids. Formamide increases the adsorption of both formic and acetic acids from dilute aqueous solution by activated charcoal. Possibly, therefore, the marked rise in the germicidal power of the acids in the presence of formamide is associated with an increased uptake of the acids by the bacterial colloids, making a higher concentration of acid within the cells available for disinfection.