Ammonium formate is an important chemical compound with the molecular formula NH4COOH and CAS number 540-69-2. This versatile substance serves as a crucial intermediate and reagent in various industrial and laboratory applications, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and analytical chemistry.

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about ammonium formate’s properties, applications, safety considerations, and sourcing for industrial buyers.

What is Ammonium Formate?

Ammonium formate is the ammonium salt of formic acid, appearing as a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol, making it a versatile compound for various applications. The compound consists of ammonium ions (NH4+) and formate ions (HCOO-), which give it unique chemical properties useful in multiple industries.

Chemical Properties

• CAS Number: 540-69-2
• Molecular Formula: CH5NO2 or NH4COOH
• Molecular Weight: 63.06 g/mol
• Appearance: White crystalline solid
• Odor: Slight ammonia odor
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water (1020 g/L at 20°C)
• Melting Point: 116-119°C (decomposes)
• pH: 6-7 (10% solution)
• Density: 1.26 g/cm³

Industrial Applications and Uses

Ammonium formate serves multiple industrial applications across various sectors:

1. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Ammonium formate serves as a critical intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis. It is used in the production of various pharmaceutical compounds, including antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production.

2. Chemical Synthesis

In organic chemistry, ammonium formate functions as a hydrogen donor in transfer hydrogenation reactions, a formylating agent, a buffer component, and a precursor to formamide.

3. Analytical Chemistry

Ammonium formate has significant applications in analytical laboratories as a buffer in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in LC-MS analyses for peptide and protein separation, and in sample preparation procedures.

4. Agriculture and Animal Feed

In agricultural applications, ammonium formate is used as a feed additive providing nitrogen supplementation in livestock nutrition, as a fertilizer component, and as a preservative.

5. Textiles and Dyeing

The textile industry utilizes ammonium formate as a dyeing auxiliary, finishing agent, and pH regulator in dye baths.

Benefits and Advantages

High Purity Options

Ammonium formate is available in multiple purity grades: technical grade (95-98%), analytical grade (99%+), and pharmaceutical grade meeting pharmacopeial standards.

Versatility

One of the key advantages of ammonium formate is its versatility, allowing it to serve multiple functions across different industries.

Cost-Effectiveness

Ammonium formate offers cost benefits through relatively low raw material costs, high reactivity reducing required quantities, and stable shelf life minimizing waste.

Safety and Handling

When handling ammonium formate, observe appropriate safety precautions:

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, safety goggles, lab coat
• Work in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods
• Avoid dust inhalation; use respiratory protection when handling powders
• Prevent contact with skin, eyes, and clothing

Storage Requirements

• Store in tightly sealed containers
• Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
• Store away from incompatible materials (acids, oxidizers)
• Protect from moisture and humidity

Chemical Specifications

Property	Value
CAS Number	540-69-2
Molecular Formula	CH5NO2
Molecular Weight	63.06 g/mol
Appearance	White crystalline solid
Purity	95-99%+
Solubility in Water	1020 g/L (20°C)
Melting Point	116-119°C (decomposes)
pH (10% solution)	6-7
Density	1.26 g/cm³

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAS number of Ammonium Formate?

The CAS number for Ammonium Formate is 540-69-2.

What are the main uses of Ammonium Formate?

Ammonium Formate is primarily used as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical manufacturing, as a buffer in analytical chemistry (especially HPLC and LC-MS), in agricultural applications, and in various organic synthesis reactions.

Is Ammonium Formate safe to handle?

When proper safety precautions are followed, Ammonium Formate is generally safe to handle. Always wear appropriate PPE and work in well-ventilated areas.

What is the difference between Ammonium Formate and Sodium Formate?

The main difference is the counterion: Ammonium Formate contains ammonium ions (NH4+), while Sodium Formate contains sodium ions (Na+). This affects their solubility, reactivity, and specific applications.

Can Ammonium Formate be used in food applications?

Yes, Ammonium Formate is approved as food additive E295 in the European Union and is considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for certain applications.

Why Choose Our Ammonium Formate?

• Premium Quality: Our Ammonium Formate meets international quality standards with 99%+ purity available
• Consistent Performance: Batch-to-batch consistency ensures reliable results
• Competitive Pricing: We offer attractive rates for bulk orders
• Technical Support: Our team provides formulation guidance
• Global Shipping: Reliable worldwide delivery
• Quality Certifications: Products comply with ISO, HACCP standards

Related Products

If you’re interested in Ammonium Formate, you may also find these related products useful:

• Ammonium Alginate (CAS 9005-34-9)
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (CAS 1077-28-7)
• Aminomethylbenzoic Acid (CAS 56-91-7)
• Amidinothiourea (CAS 2114-02-5)

Contact us today to learn more about Ammonium Formate and our other chemical products. Our team is ready to assist with your sourcing requirements.