Overview
Sodium formate (CAS 141-53-7 ), also sold as E237 , is the sodium salt of formic acid produced at industrial scale for use across chemical processing, food, and energy sectors.
It functions primarily as a pH buffer, reducing agent, and preservative depending on the application. Procurement demand spans both technical and food-grade supply chains.
In oil and gas drilling, sodium formate brines are used as high-density completion and workover fluids that protect reservoir formations without solids. The leather and textile industries rely on it.
It is used as a buffering agent in chrome tanning baths and dyeing processes to control pH and improve fixation uniformity. As E237, it is approved for use in food applications as a preservative.
In pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis, it acts as a reducing agent and catalyst precursor, particularly in transfer hydrogenation reactions. Sodium formate is supplied as a white crystalline powder.
Standard commercial grades include food-grade (E237-compliant), technical grade, and pharmaceutical-grade material meeting BP or Ph. Eur. specifications for industrial use.
Bulk supply is available in bags or bulk containers, with purity levels typically at 98% or higher for industrial applications. This ensures consistent performance across various manufacturing sectors.
Contact us for supply of Sodium formate
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 253 °C |
| Boiling Point | 360 °C |
| Density | 1.92 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Appearance | white crystals |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | Slight formic acid odour |
| Form | Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Vapor Pressure | 0Pa at 25℃ |
| Refractive Index | 1.371 |
| pH | 7.0-8.5 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -2.1 at 20℃ |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29151200 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 141-53-7
- EC Number
- 205-488-0
- Mol. Weight
- 68.007
- HS Code
- 29151200
- Category
- Organic Acids