Sodium formate: production, properties and uses

There are many chemicals that make life easier for a modern person. One of them is sodium formate. The formula for this compound is HCOONa. It is often called sodium formic acid.

General information

Sodium formate is a by-product obtained in the production process of pentaerythritol. This substance is most often used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis reactions. The preparation of sodium formate is associated with certain problems in the purification of this chemical compound. Thus, in the final product there is always a slight admixture of pentaerythritol and its derivatives. Sodium formate is a crystalline powder of white or slightly grayish color. Sometimes sodium formate with a slight greenish tinge is on sale. The impurities present in it are not visible to the naked eye. In powder, which goes on sale, the mass fraction of the main substance should be at least 92%. In the qualitative formate of sodium, the specific weight of water should not exceed 3%. In this chemical substance there are also sugary substances. In terms of glucose, their content can not exceed 1%.

To date, there is no separate industrial production of this chemical. Since sodium formate is produced as a by-product, it requires special additional processing. Some companies try to synthesize this substance, but such production is extremely expensive and not suitable for its mass production.

The formula of sodium formate is HCOONa. Since this substance contains formic acid, which is an excellent anti-ice reagent, it is most often used as an antifreeze additive.

Properties of sodium formate

The produced technical sodium formate is used in several industries. Its wide use is due to properties. This substance is highly soluble in water. It is slightly soluble in alcohols and insoluble in ether. Sodium formate does not burn and is completely explosion-proof. Despite this, in the places of its storage and use it is not allowed to use sources of open fire and smoking is prohibited.

Areas of application of this chemical

It is used as an antifreeze additive in the production of a variety of building structures. It is also used in the leather industry. It is used in various pre-smash operations.

As a raw material, sodium formate is indispensable in the production of a chemical such as formic acid. It is also used in the oil industry and as a component of anti-ice reagents.

Effects on the human body

Sodium formate, by its degree of exposure to humans, is classified as a class 4 hazard. It can cause serious damage to the body in high concentrations. Sodium formate often causes irritation of mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. In work with this chemical it is necessary to use personal protective equipment: a respirator, a gown, rubber gloves. In the event of an accident with the release of a large amount of sodium formate, the use of a gas mask is mandatory. To store this chemical is equipped with dry insulated warehouses, where it is stored in bags on special pallets.

Sodium formate - antifreeze additive

In addition to use in industry and construction, this substance is actively used as a frost reagent with a sparing effect. It, unlike other types of anti-icing agents, does not have a catastrophic effect on the surrounding nature. In addition, it does not suffer from the metal parts of road transport. It can also be used freely to treat artificial structures at road facilities as a corrosion inhibitor.

Sodium formate in construction

This chemical is irreplaceable when erecting monolithic reinforced concrete and concrete structures in the cold season. And it is recommended to use it at an air temperature of 5 ° C. It is also used in the production of monoliths in prefabricated structures for the sealing of joints, for prefabricated reinforced concrete products. Sodium formate is introduced into the mixture of concrete in the following proportions:

• 2% of the weight of cement used in terms of dry chemical at a hardening temperature down to -5 ° C (dosage 8 kg / 7 l);

• 3% - up to -10 ° C (12 kg / 10.5 l);

• 4% - up to -15 ° C (16 kg / 14 l).

During the preparation of concrete, sodium formate is dissolved in warm water. In this case, there is a special recommendation for mixing such a solution. So, it is added together with the water of mixing through a special dispenser of chemical additives. You can also use a water dispenser. In the latter case, it is necessary to reduce its consumption by 8-13%. Due to sodium formate, the hardening of concrete accelerates, which is especially important in the construction of high-rise buildings.

Precautionary measures

This substance can not be used in prestressed structures in which steel was used for reinforcing steel classes AT-VI, AT-IV, A-V. It is also not suitable for concrete and reinforced concrete products, which are planned to be used in gas and water environments with air humidity over 60% and in structures intended for industrial enterprises and electrified transport where DC is used.

When using this substance, it should be remembered that it has not yet been "stayed" as a frost-free supplement, therefore only information about it that is publicly available and "Recommendations on the use of sodium formate technical" is used. The latter were approved by the expert commission of the Scientific and Technical Council of NIISK. Many manufacturers of this chemical release it under the technical conditions (TU). To date, on sale there are products of Chinese production, the quality of which is simply impossible to verify, because often it does not even have certificates. That is why it is better to purchase this substance from proven domestic producers.