NaOCHO

NaOCHO refers to sodium formate, the sodium salt of formic acid (HCOOH). In chemical notation it is also written as HCOONa or NaOCHO. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and is stable under ordinary conditions.

Industrial production of sodium formate is typically by neutralization of formic acid with sodium hydroxide: HCOOH + NaOH → HCOONa + H2O. It can also be obtained as a byproduct in certain chemical manufacturing processes that involve formic acid.

Sodium formate has a range of practical applications. It is used as a buffering agent in biochemical and analytical workflows, providing formate as a counterion in buffers. It serves as a chemical intermediate and source of formate for organic synthesis. In the textile, leather, and printing industries, sodium formate can function as a reducing agent, processing additive, or buffer component in different bath formulations.

Safety and handling notes are important. Sodium formate is of low acute toxicity but can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if exposure is significant. It should be handled with standard laboratory or industrial hygiene practices, kept away from acids (which release formic acid) and strong oxidizers, and stored in a cool, dry place.

See also: Formates, Sodium formate, Formic acid.