Potassium formate, HCO2K, HCOOK, or KHCO2, is the potassium salt of formic acid. This strongly hygroscopic white solid[2] is an intermediate in the formate potash process for the production of potassium.[3] Potassium formate has also been studied as a potential environmentally friendly deicing salt for use on roads.[4][5] It has also been suggested for use in a less corrosive liquid desiccant.[6] A 52% solution of potassium formate has a freezing point of −60 °C (−76 °F).[7] 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,[8] though some formulations are compatible with aluminum and steels.[9]

References

  1. ^ Olsen, J C (editor), Van Nostrand's Chemical Annual, Chapman and Hall, London, 1934
  2. ^ "MSDS - 294454". www.sigmaaldrich.com. Retrieved 2019-03-18.
  3. ^ Concise Encyclopedia Chemistry, Mary Eagleson (1994), page 888. ISBN 978-3-11-011451-5
  4. ^ "Finnish Environment Institute > Main publications on the effect of de-icing chemicals on ground water". www.syke.fi. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  5. ^ Pasi P. Hellstén; Jani M. Salminen; Kirsten S. Jørgensen & Taina H. Nystén (2005). "Use of potassium formate in road winter deicing can reduce groundwater deterioration". Environ. Sci. Technol. 39 (13): 5095–5100. Bibcode:2005EnST...39.5095H. doi:10.1021/es0482738. PMID 16053115.
  6. ^ "Module 71: Liquid desiccants for dehumidification in building air conditioning systems".
  7. ^ "Potassium Formate for Runway Deicing".
  8. ^ "Brines and antifreeze". Retrieved 2022-01-16.
  9. ^ "Technical information on "TYFOXIT F15-F50: Ready-to-Use, High-Performance Ultra Low Viscous Secondary Refrigerants for Applications Down to –50 °C"" (PDF). Retrieved 2022-01-16.