Potassium formate explained

Potassium formate, HCO₂K, HCOOK, or KHCO₂, is the potassium salt of formic acid. This strongly hygroscopic white solid^[1] is an intermediate in the formate potash process for the production of potassium.^[2] Potassium formate has also been studied as a potential environmentally friendly deicing salt for use on roads.^{[3] [4]} It has also been suggested for use in a less corrosive liquid desiccant.^[5] A 52% solution of potassium formate has a freezing point of .^[6] Potassium formate brines are sometimes used for heat transfer, despite being much more corrosive than many other liquid coolants, especially to zinc and aluminum but even to many steels,^[7] though some formulations are compatible with aluminum and steels.^[8]

Notes and References

1. Web site: MSDS - 294454. www.sigmaaldrich.com. 2019-03-18.
2. Concise Encyclopedia Chemistry, Mary Eagleson (1994), page 888.
3. Web site: Finnish Environment Institute > Main publications on the effect of de-icing chemicals on ground water. www.syke.fi. 2015-11-18.
4. Pasi P. Hellstén . Jani M. Salminen . Kirsten S. Jørgensen . Taina H. Nystén . amp . Environ. Sci. Technol. . 2005 . 39 . 13 . 5095–5100 . 10.1021/es0482738 . 16053115 . Use of potassium formate in road winter deicing can reduce groundwater deterioration. 2005EnST...39.5095H .
5. Web site: Module 71: Liquid desiccants for dehumidification in building air conditioning systems.
6. Web site: Potassium Formate for Runway Deicing.
7. Web site: Brines and antifreeze. 2022-01-16.
8. Web site: Technical information on "TYFOXIT F15-F50: Ready-to-Use, High-Performance Ultra Low Viscous Secondary Refrigerants for Applications Down to –50 °C". 2022-01-16.