Tributylamine formate is used as a reagent and intermediate in organic synthesis particularly in reduction reactions and in the preparation of fine chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds.

Its purpose is to act as a convenient source of formic acid and tributylamine in situ enabling reactions such as transfer hydrogenation and acting as a buffering or catalytic agent in chemical processes.

Tributylamine formate is an organic salt formed from tributylamine and formic acid typically existing as a liquid or low-melting solid that is soluble in organic solvents and useful in various synthetic applications.