By-Product Sodium Formate

Brief Overview

Sodium formate is a deliquescent crystalline Salt (NAHCO₂) made usually by passing carbon monoxide (as in the form of producer gas) through heated sodium hydroxide. It is a by-product of polyols such as pentaerythritol that usually appears as a white deliquescent powder. It is mainly used in production cement antifreeze additives, formic acid, oxalic acid, leather tanning, and drilling fluid additives. 

Manufacturing Process

The basic procedure to produce sodium formate is by treating a solution of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) with gas containing Carbon monoxide through catalyzed reaction at high temperatures and pressures ( at 130 °C and 6-8 bar pressure). 
 

1. Sodium formate is used in industrial applications and the production of other chemicals such as production of sodium hydrosulfite and formic acid.
2. Sodium formate is also used in leather tanning, printing processes, as a food additive, and as an enzyme stabilizer in detergents
3. It is also used as a preservative in cosmetic products.