Formaldehyde is a colourless, strong-smelling gas with the chemical formula CH₂O. It is the simplest aldehyde and is highly soluble in water, often sold as a 37% aqueous solution un-known as formalin. Formaldehyde is widely used as a preservative, disinfectant, and in the production of resins, plastics, textiles, and other chemicals. It is also used for embalming and as a laboratory fixative. Although formaldehyde occurs naturally in small amounts in living organisms, exposure to high concentrations can be hazardous, causing irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and it is classified as a human carcinogen. Proper ventilation and protective measures are essential when handling formaldehyde.
Cas Number: 50-00-0
EINECS Number: 200-001-8
HS Code / Commodity Code: 29121100
UN Number: 2209
Uses
Formaldehyde has a wide range of industrial, laboratory, and commercial uses, including:
-
Production of Resins and Plastics:
Formaldehyde is a key ingredient in the manufacture of urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, and melamine-formaldehyde resins, which are used in adhesives, particleboard, plywood, laminates, and molded plastics.
-
Preservative and Disinfectant:
It is widely used as a preservative in laboratories, mortuaries, and medical facilities for biological specimens and for embalming.
-
Textile Industry:
Formaldehyde-based resins are used to make fabrics wrinkle-resistant and to improve durability.
-
Chemical Manufacturing:
It serves as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals such as pentaerythritol, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), and hexamethylenetetramine.
-
Laboratory Fixative:
Formaldehyde is commonly used as a fixative to preserve tissue samples for microscopic examination.
-
Disinfection and Sterilization:
Aqueous formaldehyde solutions (formalin) are used for disinfecting equipment and sterilizing medical instruments.
-
Agriculture:
It is sometimes used as a fumigant, fungicide, and in the treatment of seeds.
-
Personal Care and Consumer Products:
Small amounts of formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents are found in some cosmetics, shampoos, and cleaning products as preservatives.
Because of its toxicity and classification as a carcinogen, the use of formaldehyde is regulated, and proper safety measures are required when handling it.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.