Sodium Formate CAS 141-53-7
Sodium Formate (CAS 141-53-7) is the sodium salt of formic acid, supplied as white crystals or granules. Tanners value it most as a slow basifying agent in chrome tanning: it lifts drum pH gently so chromium penetrates the hide evenly for level tannage and fine grain, instead of the sharp spike bicarbonate gives. It also serves drilling muds, vat dyeing, concrete and formic-acid synthesis. We supply 98% min industrial grade in 25 kg kraft bags or 1000 kg jumbo bags; tell us the industry and grade you need and we will match the lot.
- CAS: 141-53-7
- EC Number: 205-488-7
- Synonyms: Formic acid sodium salt; sodium methanoate
- Molecular Formula: HCOONa (CHNaO₂)
- Molecular Weight: 68.01 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline powder / granules
- Purity: ≥ 98.0%
- pH (10% Solution): 7.0 – 8.5
- Packaging: 25 kg kraft bag with PE liner; 1000 kg jumbo bag, custom packing available
What Sodium Formate Does
Sodium formate is the sodium salt of formic acid, sold as white crystals or granules. In water it raises pH slowly and gently rather than in one sharp jump, which is exactly what a chrome tanning drum needs: the chromium has time to work its way evenly through the hide before it locks on, so the tannage comes out level with a fine, tight grain. That slow, buffered basification is the reason tanners pick it over plain sodium bicarbonate.
Main Uses Across Industries
- Leather tanning and retanning. The main specialty use is as a basifying agent in chrome drums, alone or blended with bicarbonate, at its best on sheepskin and goatskin; also buffers pickling baths and deliming.
- Oil and gas drilling fluids. High-temperature pH buffer and mild shale inhibitor in water-based muds; dissolves easily in brine.
- Textiles and dyeing. Reducing agent and pH buffer in vat and sulfur dyeing for level, high-yield color.
- Construction and chemical making. Early-strength aid in cold-weather concrete; feedstock for formic acid, oxalic acid, formamide and pharmaceutical intermediates.
Industrial Grade Specifications
| Test Item | Standard Value |
|---|---|
| Sodium Formate Content | ≥ 98.0% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
| Water Insolubles | ≤ 0.05% |
| Chloride (as NaCl) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 20 ppm |
| pH (10% Aqueous Solution) | 7.0 – 8.5 |
Packaging, Storage and Ordering
- Hygroscopic: keep bags sealed in a cool, dry warehouse below 30 °C so the crystals stay free-flowing; store away from strong acids, which release formic acid fumes on contact.
- Packaging: 25 kg kraft bags with PE liners and 1000 kg jumbo bags; non-hazardous for standard ocean and land transport.
- COA, TDS and SDS with every order; verify purity and moisture on receipt; samples available; quotes within one working day. Related tannery chemicals: Basic Chromium Sulfate CAS 39380-78-4 and Chrome-free Zeolite Tanning Agent CAS 68989-22-0.
FAQ
Q: Why use sodium formate instead of sodium bicarbonate in chrome tanning?
A: It raises pH slowly for even penetration; bicarbonate spikes and can over-tan the surface.
Q: Can it be used as the sole basifying agent?
A: Yes, alone on delicate skins, or blended with bicarbonate to balance speed and grain.
Q: Does sodium formate affect final leather color?
A: No. It is colorless and non-staining, with no effect on dye brightness or shade.
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