Uranyl formate

Uranyl formate (UO₂(CHO₂)₂·H₂O) is a salt that exists as a fine yellow free-flowing powder occasionally used in transmission electron microscopy.

Uranyl formate

Identifiers
CAS Number	16984-59-1 N
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	78394 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.037.315
PubChem CID	86897
InChI InChI=1S/2CH2O2.2O.U/c2*2-1-3;;;/h2*1H,(H,2,3);;; Y Key: SFIHWLKHBCDNCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y
SMILES O=CO.O=CO.O=[U]=O
Properties
Chemical formula	(UO2(CHO2)2·H2O)
Molar mass	378.08 g/mol
Appearance	fine yellow powder
Melting point	110 °C (230 °F; 383 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). N verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

It is used as a negative stain in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) because it exhibits a finer grain structure than uranyl acetate. However, uranyl formate does not easily dissolve, and once in solution, it has a limited lifespan as a stain. Typical aqueous solution concentrations are 0.5% or 1%. It is highly sensitive to light, especially ultraviolet light, and will precipitate upon exposure.

See also

• Electron microscope

References

• 2SPI.com Archived 2015-07-03 at the Wayback Machine, compound information, retrieved May 3, 2011.