Sodium formate

Sodium formate (English name: Sodium formate; Formic acid sodium salt), also known as sodium formate dihydrate, contains two molecules of water of crystallization, hence it is also referred to as sodium formate dihydrate or sodium formate hydrate. Sodium formate is the simplest organic carboxylate salt, appearing as white crystals or powder with a slight formic acid odor. It is slightly deliquescent and hygroscopic. It is soluble in approximately 1.3 parts water and glycerol, and slightly soluble in ethanol and octanol. Its aqueous solution is alkaline. Upon heating, sodium formate decomposes into hydrogen and sodium oxalate, and subsequently forms sodium carbonate. Sodium formate is primarily used in the production of sodium hydrosulfite, oxalic acid, and formic acid. In the leather industry, it serves as a masking acid in chrome tanning processes, and is used as a catalyst, stabilizer, and reducing agent in the dyeing and printing industry. Sodium formate is harmless to the human body but may cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin. Its molecular formula is CHO₂Na, and its chemical structure is HCOONa or HCOONa·2H₂O.