Sodium formate

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.