Formate (FA): Properties, Safety & Lab Applications
Formate (FA): Properties, Safety & Lab Applications
Formate（FA） is a highly miscible, corrosive reagent that dissolves readily in water, alcohols, ethers, and glycerol, making it a versatile yet hazard-conscious choice for a wide range of laboratory and research applications.
- Miscibility
- Fully miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, and glycerol
- Skin Hazard
- Corrosive to skin; causes burns on contact
- Physical State
- Liquid at room temperature
- Primary Use Class
- Research reagent / organic solvent
- SKU
- F1539844B
- Supplier
- Aladdin Scientific
Chemical Properties and Miscibility
Formate (FA) is characterized by its exceptional miscibility profile. It mixes freely with water, lower alcohols (such as methanol and ethanol), ethers, and glycerol in all proportions. This broad miscibility arises from the molecule's ability to donate and accept hydrogen bonds, allowing it to integrate readily into protic and aprotic polar solvent systems. As a result, FA is frequently selected as a co-solvent, reaction medium, or mobile-phase additive in analytical and preparative workflows.
Its polarity and hydrogen-bonding capacity also make it an effective solubilizing agent for polar biomolecules, including certain peptides and proteins, a property exploited in proteomics sample preparation and mass spectrometry workflows.
Safety, Corrosivity and Handling Precautions
Formate (FA) is classified as corrosive to skin. Direct contact can cause chemical burns, and prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to serious tissue damage. Inhalation of vapors should be avoided; adequate ventilation or a fume hood is required when working with open containers.
Recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) includes chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or a face shield, and a lab coat. In the event of skin contact, the affected area should be flushed immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes and medical attention sought. Spills should be neutralized carefully and disposed of according to local regulations for corrosive chemical waste.
Storage should be in a tightly sealed container in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers and bases.
Research and Laboratory Applications
Formate (FA) finds application across multiple research domains. In liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), dilute formic acid (a closely related species) is routinely added to mobile phases to improve peak shape and ionization efficiency for positive-mode electrospray ionization. Formate buffers are used to control pH in the range of approximately 3.1–4.4, making them suitable for separations of acidic and basic analytes.
In biochemistry, formate serves as a one-carbon unit donor in enzymatic reactions and metabolic studies. It is also employed in peptide synthesis, protein denaturation protocols, and as a reagent in organic synthesis for reductions and esterifications. Its broad solvent compatibility facilitates its use as a dissolution aid for otherwise poorly soluble compounds in drug discovery screening.
Ordering and Specifications
Aladdin Scientific offers Formate (FA) under SKU F1539844B. Researchers and procurement professionals are encouraged to contact Aladdin Scientific for current availability, pack sizes, purity grades, and volume pricing. Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation are available upon request to support compliance and quality-assurance requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is Formate (FA) miscible with common laboratory solvents?
Yes. Formate (FA) is fully miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, and glycerol in all proportions, making it highly compatible with a broad range of aqueous and organic solvent systems used in research.
What safety precautions should I take when handling Formate (FA)?
Formate (FA) is corrosive to skin and can cause chemical burns. Always wear appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood, and have an eyewash station and safety shower accessible. In case of skin contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
What are the typical research applications of Formate (FA)?
Formate (FA) is used as a mobile-phase additive in LC-MS, as a buffering agent, as a one-carbon donor in biochemical assays, and as a reagent or solvent in organic synthesis and peptide chemistry. Its excellent miscibility also makes it useful for dissolving polar biomolecules in proteomics and drug discovery workflows.
How should Formate (FA) be stored?
Store Formate (FA) in a tightly sealed container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and strong bases to prevent hazardous reactions. Consult the product SDS for full storage requirements.
References
- Safety Data Sheet guidance for corrosive organic acids — general chemical safety reference.
- Neue, U. D. HPLC Columns: Theory, Technology, and Practice. Wiley-VCH, 1997. (General reference for mobile phase additives in LC.)
- Aladdin Scientific product page: Formate (FA), SKU F1539844B.
Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.