NaCHO22H2O

NaCHO22H2O represents sodium formate dihydrate. It is the hydrated salt of formic acid and sodium. In its solid form, it typically appears as white or colorless crystals. This compound is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Sodium formate dihydrate is an ionic compound formed from the sodium cation (Na+) and the formate anion (CHO2-). The dihydrate signifies that each formula unit of sodium formate is associated with two molecules of water.

The primary industrial production method for sodium formate involves the reaction of carbon monoxide with sodium hydroxide under high pressure and temperature, a process often carried out as a byproduct of other chemical manufacturing. Alternatively, it can be synthesized by neutralizing formic acid with a sodium base.

Sodium formate has several applications. It is used in the leather tanning industry as a buffering agent and a masking agent. In the textile industry, it serves as a reducing agent in dyeing and printing processes. It also finds use in de-icing formulations for airport runways due to its biodegradability compared to some other de-icers. Furthermore, it is employed in the synthesis of other organic chemicals and as a component in certain drilling fluids in the oil and gas sector. The dihydrate form is the common commercial presentation for this chemical.