Ammonium formate (CAS 540-69-2)

Ammonium formate is a white crystalline powder widely used in analytical chemistry, particularly beneficial in mass spectrometry as a buffer or mobile phase modifier due to its high solubility and volatility. This compound enhances the ionization efficiency in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) setups, facilitating improved detection and analysis of various analytes by supporting the formation of positive or negative ions. In organic synthesis, ammonium formate acts as a hydrogen source in transfer hydrogenation reactions, serving as a reducing agent that converts more oxidized compounds such as alkenes, carbonyls, and nitro groups into their reduced forms. This makes it a preferred choice in green chemistry for its non-toxic nature and ability to decompose into innocuous byproducts—ammonia and formic acid—which can be easily removed from reaction mixtures. Its use extends to the synthesis and structural modification of complex molecules, playing a critical role in the development of new chemical entities and the exploration of natural products and pharmaceuticals. Ammonium formate′s versatility and benign environmental impact underscore its utility in both preparative and analytical applications, contributing significantly to advancements in chemical methodologies and analyses.