Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining a formate from a reaction mixture (10) in which a polyoxometallate ion, which acts as a catalyst, is in contact with an organic material at a temperature below 120° C. to produce formic acid in an aqueous solution, with the following steps: a) separating a mixture of formic acid and water from the reaction mixture by reverse osmosis and/or as vapor (18), the vapor (18) subsequently being condensed, and b) reacting the formic acid with a hydroxide (24) in aqueous solution to produce a solution of a formate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for catalytically producing formic acid. A polyoxometallate ion, which is used as a catalyst, of the general formula [PMoxVyO40]5? is brought into contact with an alpha-hydroxyaldehyde, an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid, a carbohydrate, or a glycoside in a liquid solution at a temperature below 120° C., wherein 6<x<11, 1<y<6, x+y=12, and x and y are each a whole number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for catalytically producing formic acid. A polyoxometallate ion, which is used as a catalyst, of the general formula [PMoxVyO40]5? is brought into contact with an alpha-hydroxyaldehyde, an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid, a carbohydrate, or a glycoside in a liquid solution at a temperature below 120° C., wherein 6<x<11, 1<y<6, x+y=12, and x and y are each a whole number.