What Is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde, or methanal, is the simplest aldehyde, commonly encountered as a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It naturally forms in the atmosphere from incomplete combustion and photochemical reactions and is known for its role in sick building syndrome due to its presence in building materials.
Uses of Formaldehyde
Extensively used in various fields, formaldehyde acts as a disinfectant and preservative, and is a key raw material in producing synthetic resins, pharmaceuticals, and textiles treatments. Its 37% aqueous solution, known as formalin, serves in specimen preservation and the manufacture of plastics and paints.
Properties of Formaldehyde
As a highly soluble, flammable gas, formaldehyde has a melting point of -92°C and a boiling point of -19.3°C. It polymerizes to form derivatives like paraformaldehyde and trioxane.
Structure and Synthesis
Represented by HCHO, formaldehyde’s structure allows for polymerization into paraformaldehyde and trioxane. Industrially, it is produced through the air oxidation of methanol or by dry distillation of calcium formate. Naturally, it is generated in biological processes, including amino acid metabolism.
Industrial and Biological Significance
Used to synthesize complex compounds such as urea and melamine resins, formaldehyde’s utility spans across various industrial applications. Biologically, it appears in the metabolism of living organisms and is present in some foods, where it’s produced in harmless concentrations.