Ammonium Formate Extra Pure
- SHORT DESCRIPTION
Ammonium Formate Extra Pure is a high-purity, white crystalline compound commonly used in laboratory chemistry as a buffering agent, reducing agent, and reagent in organic synthesis. It plays a significant role in catalytic hydrogenation reactions, particularly in transfer hydrogenation using palladium or platinum catalysts. In analytical chemistry, it is frequently used in HPLC and mass spectrometry applications due to its volatility and compatibility with aqueous and organic mobile phases. The extra pure grade ensures extremely low levels of impurities, making it suitable for high-precision and instrument-sensitive applications. It should be stored in a cool, dry, and tightly sealed container to preserve its stability and prevent moisture uptake.
- USES
Primary Uses
- Buffer Component in LC-MS and HPLC
- Commonly used to prepare volatile buffers for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry due to minimal residue upon evaporation.
- Reagent in Reductive Amination and Hydrogenation
- Acts as a hydrogen donor in the presence of catalysts like Pd/C for mild reduction of nitro groups, imines, and aldehydes in organic synthesis.
- Source of Formate Ions in Analytical Chemistry
- Supplies formate in studies of weak acid salts, buffer systems, and ion exchange processes.
- pH Control in Biochemical Assays
- Used in low-salt, mildly acidic buffer preparations in enzymology or protein chemistry experiments.
- Intermediate in Syntheses of Fine Chemicals
- Involved in the lab-scale synthesis of pharmaceuticals, APIs, and heterocyclic intermediates.
Secondary Uses
- Volatile Additive in Electrospray Ionization (ESI-MS)
- Enhances ionization of analytes in mass spectrometry with minimal contamination or memory effects.
- Reductive Quenching Agent in Photochemistry
- Acts as an electron/hydrogen donor in photoredox catalysis or dye-sensitized reaction studies.
- Study of Decomposition and Thermal Behavior
- Used in TGA or decomposition studies to understand release of ammonia, CO, and Hâ‚‚ under heat.
- Experimental Solvent Additive in Peptide Mapping
- Enhances ionization and retention behavior in LC-MS of peptides and small biomolecules.
- Demonstration of Acid–Base Equilibria
- Shows properties of weak acid–weak base salts in undergraduate teaching labs.
 KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Ammonium Formate
- CAS Number: 540-69-2
- HS Code: 29151200 (Salts of formic acid)
- Molecular Formula: NHâ‚„HCOO
- Synonyms:
- Formic acid ammonium salt
- Ammonium methanoate
- Ammonium formiate
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (crystalline powder)
- Color & Odor: White crystals; faint formic or ammonia-like odor
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Melting Point: ~116–120°C (decomposes)
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~1.28 g/cm³
- Solubility:
- Water: Very soluble (~1,600 g/L at 25°C)
- Alcohol: Soluble
- pH Level: ~6.4–6.8 (in 5% aqueous solution; near neutral)
- Vapor Pressure: Negligible (solid)
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Not applicable
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Not classified as hazardous under GHS in small lab quantities
- May cause mild eye/skin irritation
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- No established OSHA/ACGIH limits
- General nuisance dust precautions apply
- Reactivity:
- Stable under standard conditions
- Decomposes upon heating to produce formamide and water
- Incompatible with strong acids and oxidizers
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a tightly closed container
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong acids, bases, oxidizers
- Container Type:
- HDPE or tightly sealed glass
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- ~2 years if stored dry and cool
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use gloves and goggles
- Avoid creating or inhaling dust
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed under TSCA and REACH
- No special transport restrictions for lab use
- Hazard Symbols (GHS Pictograms):
- Not required unless large quantities are used
- Transportation Restrictions:
- Not classified as a hazardous material
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Dilute in water and neutralize with acid or base
- Dispose of according to institutional waste policies
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Low environmental hazard
- Persistence in Environment:
- Biodegradable; dissociates into naturally occurring ions
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability:
- Readily biodegradable
 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a lab coat, chemical splash goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile).
- Use in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to minimize dust or vapor exposure.
- Handling:
- Handle carefully to avoid creating dust or spillage.
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
- Do not breathe dust or decomposition fumes.
- Avoid contact with acids and strong oxidizing agents (may release formic acid or ammonia).
- Storage:
- Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
- Protect from moisture and heat.
- Keep away from incompatible substances such as acids, oxidizers, and bases.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the lab.
- Keep work surfaces clean and decontaminate after use.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move to fresh air immediately.
- Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms occur.
- Provide oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing becomes difficult.
- Skin Contact:
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Wash affected skin with soap and water.
- Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
- Eye Contact:
- Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
- Seek medical attention if irritation or redness persists.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- If the person is conscious, give water to dilute.
- Seek immediate medical attention—formate salts can be harmful if ingested in quantity.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURESÂ
- Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemicals, carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚), alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray, depending on the surrounding materials.
- Specific Hazards:
- Combustion or decomposition may produce toxic fumes, including:
- Ammonia
- Formic acid
- Nitrogen oxides (NOâ‚“)
- Combustion or decomposition may produce toxic fumes, including:
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Avoid inhaling fumes or vapors.
- Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray.
- Prevent run-off from contaminating water systems—can be harmful to aquatic life.