Sodium Formate CAS 141-53-7

What Is Sodium Formate?

Sodium formate is the sodium salt of formic acid. It is a white crystalline powder or granular solid with the chemical formula HCOONa and CAS number 141-53-7.

The product is highly soluble in water and is used in leather tanning, industrial deicing formulations, oilfield brines, textile processing and chemical manufacturing. Its performance depends on purity, moisture, organic impurities, chloride, iron, alkalinity and particle size.

Industrial sodium formate should not automatically be described as food, feed, pharmaceutical or airport-approved grade. Each regulated application requires the correct specification, documentation and approval.

Sodium Formate Quick Facts

Physical-property values are reference information. The applicable AOZUN specification, quotation and batch Certificate of Analysis should determine the contracted product quality.

Is Sodium Formate an Organic or Inorganic Salt?

Sodium formate contains the formate ion derived from formic acid and is chemically classified as an organic sodium salt.

Commercially, it is often grouped with industrial salts because it is a white, water-soluble crystalline solid supplied in bags or bulk packaging.

How Does Sodium Formate Work?

When sodium formate dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium and formate ions. Its high water solubility, buffering behavior and interaction with process chemistry explain its use in leather tanning, formate brines, deicing formulations and chemical production.

Why the Product Grade Matters

The function of sodium formate changes with the application, but product impurities always enter the customer’s process.

For example:

• Excess moisture reduces active content per kilogram.

• Chloride can increase corrosion risk.

• Iron may affect color-sensitive leather or textile processes.

• Insoluble matter may block filters or leave deposits.

• Excess alkalinity can affect process pH.

• Organic by-products may influence color, odor or downstream reactions.

• Inconsistent particle size may affect dissolution and spreading behavior.

Buyers should select a grade according to process requirements rather than purity alone.

Available Sodium Formate Grades

Industrial Grade Sodium Formate

Industrial grade is suitable for general chemical manufacturing, leather processing, textile applications and other operations that do not require highly controlled trace impurities.

High-Purity Sodium Formate

High-purity material provides tighter control over assay, moisture, chloride, iron, insoluble matter and organic impurities. It may be selected for sensitive formulations or processes requiring better batch consistency.

Granular Sodium Formate

Granular sodium formate can provide improved flow, reduced dust and more controlled mechanical spreading. Particle-size distribution should be confirmed rather than inferred from the words “powder” or “granules.”

Powder Sodium Formate

Powder grades normally dissolve quickly but may generate more dust during transfer. Dust extraction, enclosed handling and suitable PPE may be required.

Deicing-Formulation Grade

Material intended for commercial deicing products may require controlled particle size, low chloride, corrosion testing, low-temperature performance data and compliance with the customer’s deicing standard.

A generic 98% industrial product is not automatically approved for airport-runway use.

Oilfield or Brine Grade

Oilfield applications may require tighter controls on insoluble matter, calcium, magnesium, iron, chloride and other contaminants that can affect brine clarity, density, filtration or compatibility.

Typical Sodium Formate Specifications

The following table presents reference purchasing parameters. Final values must be confirmed in the AOZUN quotation, specification and sales contract.

A specification should always state the analytical method, basis of calculation and acceptance limit.

What Do the Main Sodium Formate Specifications Mean?

Assay

Assay indicates the amount of sodium formate in the product. It may be determined by titration or another validated method.

Buyers should confirm whether the result is reported on an as-is or dry basis.

Moisture

Sodium formate is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture if packaging is damaged or left open. Excess moisture reduces active content and may cause caking.

Organic Matter

Some industrial sodium formate is produced as a coproduct of pentaerythritol manufacturing. Residual organic matter can vary with the manufacturing route and purification process.

Applications sensitive to color, odor or organic contamination should establish a contractual limit.

Chloride

Chloride is especially important in metal-contacting, oilfield and deicing applications. A “chloride-free deicer” claim should be supported by a defined chloride specification and finished-product testing.

Iron

Iron may contribute to discoloration or deposits. Leather, textile and clear-brine applications may require tighter iron limits.

Water-Insoluble Matter

Low insoluble matter supports clear solution preparation and helps reduce sediment, blocked filters, nozzle deposits and process contamination.

Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Carbonate

Residual alkalinity can affect solution pH and downstream reactions. Buyers using sodium formate for leather processing or controlled formulations may need specific limits.

Particle Size

Particle size affects:

• Dissolution rate

• Dust generation

• Flowability

• Mechanical spreading

• Blending uniformity

• Caking behavior

A listed size of 2–6 mm describes granules, not a fine powder. The product description and specification should use consistent terminology.

Sodium Formate Applications

Leather Tanning

Sodium formate is used as a masking and buffering auxiliary in selected chrome-tanning processes. It can help control acidity and support more uniform chromium penetration and distribution before basification.

Potential process benefits may include:

• More controlled pH adjustment

• Improved chrome distribution

• More uniform tanning

• Reduced risk of premature surface fixation

• Better process repeatability

The appropriate dosage depends on hide type, pickling conditions, chrome offer, drum conditions and the complete tanning recipe.

Pilot testing is required before changing an established formulation.

Industrial Deicing

Sodium formate can be used as a chloride-free component in solid deicing and anti-icing products for roads, industrial areas and selected airport applications.

Compared with conventional chloride salts, properly formulated formate deicers may offer lower corrosion potential on certain metals. However, performance depends on:

• Sodium formate purity

• Chloride content

• Particle size

• Application rate

• Pavement temperature

• Ice thickness

• Mechanical removal

• Finished-product formulation

• Corrosion-inhibitor package

Generic industrial sodium formate should not be marketed as airport-approved without testing against the applicable aviation or customer standard.

Biodegradability does not mean that uncontrolled discharge is harmless. Formate biodegradation can consume oxygen, so runoff and local environmental requirements must be evaluated.

Oilfield Drilling and Completion Brines

Sodium formate can be used to prepare clear brines for selected drilling, completion, workover and well-service applications.

Formate-based fluids may provide:

• High water solubility

• Solids-free brine formulation

• Useful density adjustment

• Thermal stability in properly designed systems

• Compatibility with selected polymers and additives

• Reduced chloride loading

• Potentially lower corrosion than some chloride brines

Sodium formate provides a lower brine-density range than potassium or cesium formate. The required density, crystallization behavior and reservoir compatibility should be confirmed by a qualified fluid specialist.

Textile Dyeing and Printing

Sodium formate may be used as a processing auxiliary, buffering component or reducing-system ingredient in selected textile dyeing and printing operations.

Suitability depends on:

• Fiber type

• Dye class

• Bath pH

• Temperature

• Water quality

• Reducing system

• Color and impurity requirements

Production trials should confirm shade, fastness and residue before commercial use.

Sodium Dithionite Production

Sodium formate can be used as a raw material or reducing component in certain manufacturing routes for sodium dithionite, also known as sodium hydrosulfite.

“Sodium hydrosulfite” is the correct English translation of the Chinese product name commonly called “保险粉.”

Formic Acid and Other Chemical Manufacturing

Sodium formate may be used as a feedstock or intermediate in the manufacture of formic acid and other chemical products.

The required grade depends on the reaction route, catalyst sensitivity, purification system and final-product specification.

Pulp and Paper Processing

Selected pulp and paper operations may use sodium formate directly or as part of sodium-dithionite production and bleaching chemistry.

The mill should verify its effects on bleaching efficiency, water chemistry, effluent load and downstream equipment.

Electroplating and Metal Processing

Sodium formate may function as a complexing, buffering or process component in selected electroplating and metal-finishing systems.

It should not be substituted into an established bath without compatibility testing and control of metal contaminants.

Construction Formulations

Sodium formate may be used in selected dry-mix, concrete or low-temperature construction formulations.

Performance depends on cement composition, dosage, temperature and interaction with other admixtures. Concrete testing is required before commercial adoption.

Sodium Formate vs Calcium Formate and Potassium Formate

These products are not direct one-to-one substitutes. Changing the cation changes solubility, solution density, crystallization behavior and compatibility.

Sodium Formate vs Sodium Acetate

Sodium formate and sodium acetate are both water-soluble sodium salts of organic acids, but they have different molecular structures and process behavior.

Sodium formate has a lower molecular weight and different buffering, reducing and low-temperature properties. A formulation designed for sodium acetate should not be converted to sodium formate using only an equal weight substitution.

How to Select the Correct Sodium Formate Grade

For Leather Processing

Prioritize:

• Consistent assay

• Low iron

• Controlled alkalinity

• Low insoluble matter

• Solution clarity

• Batch-to-batch consistency

For Deicing Products

Prioritize:

• Chloride content

• Particle-size distribution

• Moisture

• Flowability

• Caking resistance

• Low-temperature performance

• Corrosion data

• Finished-product compliance

For Oilfield Brines

Prioritize:

• Assay

• Insoluble matter

• Iron

• Calcium and magnesium

• Chloride

• Brine clarity

• Density

• Crystallization behavior

• Compatibility data

For Chemical Manufacturing

Prioritize:

• Assay

• Moisture

• Organic impurities

• Sodium carbonate

• Sodium hydroxide

• Sodium sulfide

• Reaction yield and downstream purification

For Laboratory Use

Use a reagent grade supported by suitable identification, assay and impurity tests. An industrial COA does not automatically qualify the material for analytical work.

Sodium Formate Solution Preparation

Because sodium formate is highly soluble, concentrated aqueous solutions can be prepared under controlled conditions.

General industrial considerations include:

1. Confirm the required concentration on a mass or volume basis.

2. Use compatible tanks, piping, pumps and seals.

3. Start with the required amount of suitable-quality water.

4. Add sodium formate gradually with agitation.

5. Monitor solution temperature during dissolution.

6. Check clarity after complete mixing.

7. Measure density and pH using calibrated equipment.

8. Filter the solution when the application requires low solids.

9. Keep the solution protected from contamination.

10. Label the tank with product identity and concentration.

For oilfield, aviation or regulated uses, preparation must follow the validated formulation and applicable technical standard.

Factors That Affect Sodium Formate Dissolution

Dissolution rate can be influenced by:

• Particle size

• Water temperature

• Agitation

• Water hardness

• Product moisture

• Caking

• Target concentration

• Existing dissolved salts

• Tank geometry

• Addition rate

Even a highly soluble salt can form temporary deposits if it is added too quickly or if mixing is inadequate.

How Should Buyers Evaluate a Sodium Formate Supplier?

Before approving a supplier, evaluate:

1. Product identity and CAS number

2. Manufacturing route

3. Assay and calculation basis

4. Moisture limit

5. Organic-matter limit

6. Chloride and iron controls

7. Insoluble matter

8. Powder or granular form

9. Particle-size distribution

10. Batch-to-batch consistency

11. COA and analytical methods

12. SDS and transport information

13. Packaging and pallet configuration

14. Sample availability

15. Export-document capability

16. Change-notification procedure

Application claims should be supported by an appropriate grade and technical documentation.

Recommended Incoming Quality Checks

Depending on the application, incoming sodium formate may be checked for:

• Packaging condition

• Label and batch number

• Appearance

• Caking

• Assay

• Moisture

• pH

• Chloride

• Iron

• Insoluble matter

• Particle size

• Solution clarity

• Bulk density

• COA compliance

Retained samples can help investigate later process changes or customer complaints.

Sodium Formate Packaging

Common packaging options may include:

• 25 kg paper-plastic composite bags with PE liners

• 25 kg woven bags with inner liners

• 500–1,000 kg bulk bags

• Custom moisture-resistant packaging

Available package size, palletization and container loading should be confirmed in the quotation.

Because sodium formate can absorb moisture, the inner liner and package seal are important parts of product-quality protection.

Sodium Formate Storage

Store sodium formate in a cool, dry and covered warehouse.

Recommended storage controls include:

• Keep bags tightly sealed.

• Protect the product from rain and humidity.

• Store bags on clean pallets.

• Avoid direct contact with floors and walls.

• Keep away from strong acids and oxidizing materials.

• Prevent packaging damage.

• Use first-in, first-out inventory control.

• Reseal partially used bags immediately.

Moisture exposure may cause caking and reduce the measured active content.

Sodium Formate Safety Information

Sodium formate is generally not classified as a flammable material and many SDS documents do not classify it as dangerous goods for transport.

However, safe industrial handling is still required.

Dust may cause mechanical or mild irritation to the eyes, skin or respiratory tract. Workers should use appropriate eye protection, gloves and dust control based on the workplace risk assessment.

Contact with strong acids may release formic acid. Heating to decomposition can produce irritating or harmful decomposition products.

Always follow the current supplier SDS.

Sodium Formate Transport Information

Sodium formate is commonly listed as not regulated under DOT, IATA and IMDG dangerous-goods rules.

Final transport status must still be confirmed using:

• The actual product composition

• Current SDS

• Destination-country rules

• Packaging configuration

• Transport mode

• Any additives present in the finished product

A formulated deicer or brine may have a different classification from dry sodium formate.

What Documents Should a Sodium Formate Supplier Provide?

Buyers may request:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Technical Data Sheet

• Product specification

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Certificate of Origin

• Regulatory declarations

• Container-loading information

• Particle-size report

• Inspection report

• Application-specific compliance documents

The product name, CAS number, batch number and specification should be consistent throughout the documentation.

Why Source Sodium Formate from AOZUN?

AOZUN supports international industrial buyers requiring sodium formate for leather, chemical processing, textile, oilfield and qualified deicing applications.

Commercial support may include:

• Grade and specification review

• Powder or granular-form confirmation

• Batch-specific COA

• SDS and transport documentation

• Sample evaluation

• Packaging discussions

• Export-document coordination

• Container-loading planning

• Third-party inspection arrangements

• Communication during supplier qualification

Product grade, particle size, specification, availability and regulatory suitability must be confirmed in the final quotation and contract.

Information to Include in Your RFQ

For a faster and more accurate quotation, provide:

• Product name

• CAS number

• Required purity

• Intended application

• Required moisture limit

• Chloride limit

• Iron limit

• Insoluble-matter limit

• Powder or granular form

• Particle-size requirement

• Order quantity

• Packaging requirement

• Destination port or address

• Required documents

• Sample requirement

• Delivery schedule

If you are replacing an existing supplier, attach the current TDS, specification or representative COA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sodium formate?

Sodium formate is the sodium salt of formic acid. It is a white, highly water-soluble crystalline material with the formula HCOONa.

What is the CAS number of sodium formate?

The CAS number is 141-53-7.

What is the molecular weight of sodium formate?

Its molecular weight is approximately 68.01 g/mol.

Is sodium formate soluble in water?

Yes. Sodium formate is highly soluble in water, with reference solubility around 970 g/L at 20°C.

Is sodium formate hygroscopic?

Yes. It can absorb moisture, so it should be stored in tightly sealed, moisture-resistant packaging.

What is sodium formate used for?

Major uses include leather tanning, industrial deicing, oilfield formate brines, textile processing, sodium dithionite manufacturing and other chemical processes.

Is sodium formate used in leather tanning?

Yes. It may be used as a masking and buffering auxiliary in selected chrome-tanning processes.

Can sodium formate be used as an airport deicer?

Sodium formate is used in some airport-deicing formulations, but generic industrial material is not automatically airport-approved. The finished product must meet the applicable performance and corrosion standard.

Is sodium formate a chloride-free deicer?

Pure sodium formate does not contain chloride as part of its chemical formula. Commercial material may contain trace chloride, so the COA and finished formulation must be checked before making a chloride-free claim.

Can sodium formate be used in drilling fluids?

Yes. Sodium formate can be used in selected drilling, completion and workover brines. Fluid density, crystallization and reservoir compatibility must be evaluated.

Is sodium formate the same as calcium formate?

No. Sodium formate and calcium formate have different cations, solubility and application profiles. They should not be substituted without formulation testing.

Is sodium formate flammable?

No. Sodium formate is generally considered non-flammable, although it may decompose when strongly heated.

Is sodium formate regulated as dangerous goods?

Dry sodium formate is commonly not regulated as dangerous goods under DOT, IATA and IMDG rules. Confirm the shipment-specific classification using the current SDS.

Is industrial sodium formate food grade?

No such assumption should be made. Industrial sodium formate must not be sold for food, feed or pharmaceutical use unless the exact product grade and intended use comply with all applicable regulations.

What purity is normally supplied?

Industrial sodium formate is commonly supplied at 95–98% or higher purity. The appropriate grade depends on the application.

Can AOZUN provide powder and granular sodium formate?

Available physical form and particle size can be confirmed during quotation. Specify whether you require powder, controlled granules or a particular sieve distribution.

Request a Sodium Formate Quote

Contact AOZUN for sodium formate pricing, specifications, packaging and export information.

Send us your required purity, application, particle size, quantity, packaging, destination and delivery schedule. Our team will review the requirement and confirm the appropriate product specification before order placement.