Description

Sodium formate is the sodium salt of formic acid (HCOOH). Its chemical formula is HCOONa, and it is composed of a sodium cation (Na+) and a formate anion (HCOO-). Sodium formate is a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. Sodium formate has various applications in different industries: Leather industry: It is commonly used in the tanning process to improve the efficiency of chrome tanning and help with the dyeing and finishing of leather. Deicing agent: Sodium formate can be used as a deicing or anti-icing agent for runways, roads, and sidewalks. It helps to lower the freezing point of water and melt ice. Oil drilling: In the petroleum industry, sodium formate is utilized as a drilling fluid additive. It helps to control the rheological properties of the drilling fluid and prevent clay swelling. Chemical synthesis: Sodium formate serves as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions. It is used in the production of formic acid, sodium hydrosulfite, and other organic compounds. Food preservative: Sodium formate is approved as a food additive and can be used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth in some food products. Buffer solution: It can be employed as a buffering agent to maintain the pH of solutions in laboratory settings and certain chemical processes.