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
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.037.315 Edit this at Wikidata
  • InChI=1S/2CH2O2.2O.U/c2*2-1-3;;;/h2*1H,(H,2,3);;; checkY
    Key: SFIHWLKHBCDNCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • O=CO.O=CO.O=[U]=O
Properties
(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).
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It is occasionally used as a 0.5% or 1% aqueous negative stain in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) because it shows a finer grain structure than uranyl acetate. However, uranyl formate does not easily go into solution, and once dissolved, has a rather limited lifetime as a stain. It is quite sensitive to light, especially ultraviolet light, and will precipitate if exposed.

See also

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References

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