Sodium formate
Agent Name
Sodium formate
CAS Number
141-53-7
Formula
C-H2-O2.Na
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
FORMIC ACID, NA SALT; Formic acid, sodium salt; Mravencan sodny [Czech]; Salachlor; Sodium formate, refined; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Organic Acids, Metal Salts
Description
White deliquescent solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used in analytical chemistry as precipitant for noble metals, to buffer strong mineral acids to higher pH, for dyeing and printing fabrics, for tanning leather, and to make other organic chemicals; Also used as an electroplating agent, an acidulant in the textile industry, a reducing agent, a mordant, a complexing agent, and a therapeutic caustic and astringent; [HSDB] Used in photographic fixing baths; [CHEMINFO]
Comments
After ingestion of 3-4 gm/day, albuminuria and hematuria may occur; Also may cause cardiac depression and methemoglobinemia at high doses; [HSDB] Decomposed by heating forming carbon monoxide and hydrogen; An eye and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] High concentrations may cause respiratory tract irritation; Solutions may cause skin and eye irritation; [CHEMINFO] An irritant; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Adverse Effects
Methemoglobinemia
MetHgb is secondary toxic effect
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: