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Sodium formate

Also known as Formic acid, sodium salt, Salachlor, Formic acid, sodium salt (1:1)

CAS 141-53-7Formula CHNaO2Molar mass 68.01 g/molEC 205-488-0
Sodium formate chemical structure, CHNaO2, CAS 141-53-7
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Colorless monoclinic crystals
Melting point
253 °C
Boiling point
DECOMPOSES, DELIQUESCENT
Density
1.9 g/cm³
Solubility
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: 97.2 G/100 CC @ 20 °C
HS code
291512
Category
Cosmetic preservatives
Illustrative photo, colourless crystals beside a jumbo bulk bag in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Sodium formate?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Sodium formate is an organic sodium salt which is the monosodium salt of formic acid. It has a role as a buffer and an astringent. It contains a formate.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
sodium formate
CAS number
141-53-7 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 84050-17-9
EC numbers
205-488-0, 690-860-9
Molecular formula
CHNaO2
UNII
387AD98770
MDL number
MFCD00013101
INCI name
SODIUM FORMATE
InChIKey
HLBBKKJFGFRGMU-UHFFFAOYSA-M
InChI
InChI=1S/CH2O2.Na/c2-1-3;/h1H,(H,2,3);/q;+1/p-1
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(=O)[O-].[Na+]

Synonyms

  • Formic acid, sodium salt
  • Salachlor
  • Formic acid, sodium salt (1:1)
  • Mravencan sodny
  • Formic acid, na salt
  • Sodium formate, refined
  • Formic acid sodium salt (1:1)
  • Formic acid sodium salt
  • sodium, formate
  • sodium formiate
  • CHNaO2
  • Sodium formate, hydrated
  • sodiumformate
  • Formic Acid Sodium Salt, NA-Amasil
  • sodium carbanate
  • Sodium methanoate
  • HCOONa
  • HCO2Na
  • CHNA02
  • Sodium formate, ACS grade
  • Sodium formate, acs
  • Sodium formate Solution in Water, 1000ug/mL

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 monoclinic crystalsexp.
Melting point
253 °Cexp.
Boiling point
DECOMPOSES, DELIQUESCENTexp.
Density
1.9 g/cm³exp.
Solubility
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: 97.2 G/100 CC @ 20 °Cexp.

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
68.01 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
67.9874 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 classification
Hazard pictograms

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

Sodium formate suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

280 suppliers in 42 countries

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Sodium 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 analytical chem as precipitant for noble metals, buffering of strong mineral acids to higher ph.

Medication: caustic, astringent agent, dyeing & printing fabrics.

Chemical intermediate for formic acid, oxalic acid, electroplating agent, acidulant in textile industry, leather tanning.

Reducing agent, organic chemicals, mordant, manufacture of sodium dithionate, complexing agent, analytical reagent.

As a c precursor in incorporation studies.

Industrial uses: Intermediate, Adhesion/cohesion promoter, Anti-freeze agent, Freeze-thaw additive, Other, Tanning agents not otherwise specified, Processing aids not otherwise specified.

Consumer uses: Adhesion/cohesion promoter, Anti-freeze agent, pH regulating agent, Processing aids not otherwise specified.

Use classes: Safer Chemical Classes, Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name SODIUM FORMATE(preservative)

Roles

  • astringent
  • buffer
  • pharmaceutical

Functional uses

  • Chelating agent
  • Preservative
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified
  • Stabilizing agent
  • pH regulating agent

Cosmetic functions

  • Preservative

How it is made

Reaction of sodium hydroxide & carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide & sodium hydroxide are heated under pressure, also from pentaerythritol manufacture.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • 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 Sodium 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 Sodium formate is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

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

What is Sodium formate?

Sodium formate is an organic sodium salt which is the monosodium salt of formic acid. It has a role as a buffer and an astringent. It contains a formate.

What is the CAS number of Sodium formate?

The CAS registry number of Sodium formate is 141-53-7. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 84050-17-9.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Sodium formate?

The molecular formula of Sodium formate is CHNaO2 and its molar mass is 68.01 g/mol.

What is Sodium formate used for?

In analytical chem as precipitant for noble metals, buffering of strong mineral acids to higher ph. Medication: caustic, astringent agent, dyeing & printing fabrics. Chemical intermediate for formic acid, oxalic acid, electroplating agent, acidulant in textile industry, leather tanning.

Is Sodium formate hazardous?

No GHS hazard classification for Sodium formate is recorded on CompoundList yet. That does not prove it is safe. Always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Sodium formate?

Sodium 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 Sodium formate?

CompoundList lists 280 suppliers of Sodium formate in China, India, United States, United Kingdom and 38 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Sodium formate in India?

50 suppliers in India list Sodium 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 Sodium formate?

Suppliers quote Sodium 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 Sodium 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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