NH4HCOO

NH4HCOO, commonly known as ammonium formate, is an inorganic salt formed from formic acid (HCOOH) and ammonia (NH3). It consists of ammonium cations (NH4+) and formate anions (HCOO−). In solid form it appears as a white crystalline substance that is highly soluble in water and also dissolves in some polar organic solvents. Aqueous solutions of ammonium formate are typically near neutral in pH.

Preparation and occurrence: Ammonium formate is prepared by neutralizing formic acid with ammonia, for example HCOOH + NH3 → NH4HCOO. It can also be obtained by metathesis from other ammonium or formate salts and by related synthetic routes in industrial settings. It is not a naturally occurring mineral but is produced for use in laboratories and manufacturing.

Applications: In analytical and synthetic chemistry, ammonium formate is valued as a volatile buffer for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and related techniques, providing a source of ammonium ions and enabling easy removal by evaporation. It serves as a reducing agent in transfer hydrogenation reactions, especially with catalysts such as palladium on carbon, where it can release hydrogen in situ to reduce carbonyl compounds to alcohols. It also functions as a formate source in various organic syntheses and as a mild buffering agent in biochemical protocols.

Safety and handling: Ammonium formate is generally stable at room temperature but decomposes when heated, for example to formamide and water. It should be stored in a cool, dry place and handled with standard laboratory safety precautions to avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes.