Ammonium formate

Ammonium formate (CAS 540-69-2), commonly abbreviated HCOONH4, is the ammonium salt of formic acid used across pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic manufacturing. It functions primarily as a pH buffer and mobile phase reagent. This chemical serves as a catalytic hydrogen donor in industrial and laboratory-scale processes. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it is a standard additive in HPLC and LC-MS mobile phases to improve peak resolution.

It enhances ionization efficiency for analytical method development and acts as a catalytic hydrogen source in transfer hydrogenation reactions. This enables selective reduction of organic compounds without high-pressure hydrogen gas. Food-grade applications include use as a preservative and pH-regulating agent in certain processed food systems. In personal care formulations, it supports buffering and stability in products where controlled acidity is critical.

The compound ensures shelf life and ingredient compatibility in various cosmetic applications. It is supplied as a white crystalline solid, typically in powder or granular form for easy handling and processing. It is available in analytical-reagent (AR) and HPLC-grade specifications for laboratory and pharmaceutical use. Technical and food-grade variants are also produced for large-scale industrial applications and manufacturing.

Standard purity levels range from 97% technical grade through to ≥99% high-purity grades. These products are suited to regulated manufacturing environments and meet rigorous industry quality requirements.