Ammonium Formate CAS 540-69-2

Ammonium formate, with the chemical formula NH4HCO2, has the CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number 540-69-2. It is a white crystalline solid that is the ammonium salt of formic acid (HCOOH). Here's some information about its properties and uses:

Properties:

- Chemical Formula: NH4HCO2

- Molar Mass: Approximately 63.08 g/mol

- Appearance: White crystalline solid

- Solubility: Ammonium formate is soluble in water and forms a clear solution.

Uses:

1. Chemical Synthesis: Ammonium formate is often used as a reagent in various chemical reactions, particularly those involving formic acid or its derivatives. It can be used as a source of formate ions, which can act as reducing agents or as precursors for the generation of carbon monoxide.

2. Hydrogenation Reactions: It is used in some hydrogenation reactions as a source of hydrogen gas. When heated, it decomposes to release hydrogen gas, which can be used for reducing reactions.

3. Buffer Solution: Ammonium formate solutions can be used as buffers in analytical chemistry and research settings, especially in mass spectrometry applications. Its pH is around 5.5, making it suitable for certain types of analyses.

4. Biological and Pharmaceutical Research: Ammonium formate can be used as a reagent in various biological and pharmaceutical research processes, including in the preparation of samples for mass spectrometry analysis.

5. Textile and Leather Industry: It can be used in dyeing and finishing processes in the textile and leather industry.

6. Gas Chromatography: In gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, ammonium formate can be used to enhance the fragmentation patterns of certain compounds.

7. Photography: Historically, ammonium formate was used in the photographic industry in developing solutions.

It's important to handle ammonium formate and its solutions with care, as it can release ammonia gas when heated or in contact with strong acids. Proper safety precautions and handling procedures should be followed when working with this compound.

As with any chemical, its use, handling, and disposal should adhere to proper safety guidelines and regulations. Always consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer for specific safety information and handling instructions.