A Green Production Process Using CO and Ca(OH)₂ as calcium formate Raw Materials
The production process using carbon monoxide (CO) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) as raw materials offers advantages such as simple operation, no harmful by-products, and wide raw material sources. Notably, it complies with atom economy principles in green chemistry, and is thus regarded as a low-cost green production process for calcium formate. The reaction is as follows:
This reaction consists of two steps: 1) CO reacts with water to form formic acid; 2) the generated formic acid directly neutralizes with Ca(OH)₂ to synthesize calcium formate. The process mainly includes raw gas preparation, slaked lime batching, raw material reaction, product evaporation, and crystallization. The raw material utilization rate reaches 100% throughout the process, fully meeting the atom economy principle of green chemistry. However, the basic research on this process still has many gaps—for example, the reaction kinetics of the synthesis reaction is a major obstacle to reactor selection and design calculation.

Need a multi-tasking chemical star? Calcium formate delivers: moisture resistance for building materials, mold inhibition for feeds, and eco-friendly performance across industries. Ready to unlock its benefits for your business? Tap to start a consultation!