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Buffers and biological buffers

Potassium formate

Also known as Formic acid potassium salt, Formic acid, potassium salt, Formic acid, k salt

CAS 590-29-4Formula CHKO2Molar mass 84.12 g/molEC 209-677-9
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 131 suppliers listed
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Potassium formate chemical structure, CHKO2, CAS 590-29-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless granules
Melting point
167 °C
Density
1.91
Solubility
SOL IN 100 CC WATER: 331 G @ 18 °C, 657 G @ 80 °C, SOL IN ALCOHOL, INSOL IN ETHER
HS code
291512
Category
Buffers and biological buffers
Illustrative photo, white granules in a woven sack in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Potassium formate?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Potassium formate is the potassium salt of formic acid. It has a role as a buffer. It is a potassium salt and a one-carbon compound. It is functionally related to a formic acid.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
potassium formate
CAS number
590-29-4 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
209-677-9
Molecular formula
CHKO2
UNII
25I90B156L
MDL number
MFCD00013100
InChIKey
WFIZEGIEIOHZCP-UHFFFAOYSA-M
InChI
InChI=1S/CH2O2.K/c2-1-3;/h1H,(H,2,3);/q;+1/p-1
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(=O)[O-].[K+]

Synonyms

  • Formic acid potassium salt
  • Formic acid, potassium salt
  • Formic acid, k salt
  • Mravencan draselny
  • HCOOK
  • potassium, formate
  • Potassiumformate
  • CHKO2
  • potassium formiate
  • Formic acid, potassium salt (1:1)
  • Potassium formate, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
  • Potassium formate, BioUltra, >=99.0% (NT)
  • Potassium formate, purum p.a., >=99.0% (NT)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless granulesexp.
Melting point
167 °Cexp.
Density
1.91exp.
Solubility
SOL IN 100 CC WATER: 331 G @ 18 °C, 657 G @ 80 °C, SOL IN ALCOHOL, INSOL IN ETHERexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
84.12 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
83.9614 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-4.63calc.
Topological polar surface area
40.13 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
4calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Components
2calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary statements (4)
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Potassium formate suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 131 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

131 suppliers in 19 countries

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Potassium formate price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

In fungicides & bactericides for agriculture.

Industrial uses: Flame retardant, Soil amendments (fertilizers), Processing aids, specific to petroleum production, Anti-freeze agent, Other, Lubricating agent, Processing aids not otherwise specified.

Consumer uses: Soil amendments (fertilizers), Anti-freeze agent.

Industries and functions

Roles

  • buffer

Functional uses

  • Chelating agent

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Potassium formate is traded under.

HS 2915.12Indicative HS code

Salts of formic acid

World exports in 2024
$254M
−5.4% vs 2023, imports $286M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China53.9%
  2. Germany17.7%
  3. Netherlands5.1%
Top importers
  1. United States11.5%
  2. Netherlands7.8%
  3. Brazil6.7%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Potassium formate is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Potassium formate, based on the data on this page

What is Potassium formate?

Potassium formate is the potassium salt of formic acid. It has a role as a buffer. It is a potassium salt and a one-carbon compound. It is functionally related to a formic acid.

What is the CAS number of Potassium formate?

The CAS registry number of Potassium formate is 590-29-4.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Potassium formate?

The molecular formula of Potassium formate is CHKO2 and its molar mass is 84.12 g/mol.

What is Potassium formate used for?

In fungicides & bactericides for agriculture. Industrial uses: Flame retardant, Soil amendments (fertilizers), Processing aids, specific to petroleum production, Anti-freeze agent, Other, Lubricating agent, Processing aids not otherwise specified. Consumer uses: Soil amendments (fertilizers), Anti-freeze agent.

Is Potassium formate hazardous?

Potassium formate carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: causes serious eye irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Potassium formate?

Potassium formate is usually classified under HS code 291512 (Salts of formic acid). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Potassium formate?

CompoundList lists 131 suppliers of Potassium formate in China, United States, India, Germany and 15 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Potassium formate in India?

13 suppliers in India list Potassium formate on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Potassium formate?

Suppliers quote Potassium formate on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Potassium formate

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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