Formaldehyde has high chemical reactivity, good thermal stability, and readily polymerizes; all of these characteristics make it a useful material in the synthesis of a wide variety of products such as fertilizer, paper, plywood and some resins.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling gas with the chemical formula CH2O. It is a simple organic compound composed of a carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom. Formaldehyde is highly reactive and versatile, with a wide range of industrial, commercial, and laboratory applications.
Grade | AR/ACS |
Purity | 37% |
CAS No. | 50-00-0 |
Molecular Formula | H C H O |
Molecular Weight | 30.03 |
H.S. Code | 2912.1100 |
Shelf Life | 60 Months |
Grade | AR/ACS |
Purity | 37% |
CAS No. | 50-00-0 |
Molecular Formula | H C H O |
Molecular Weight | 30.03 |
H.S. Code | 2912.1100 |
Shelf Life | 60 Months |
Physical Properties | |
Physical state at 20 °C | Liquid |
Colour | Clear Colorles |
Odour | Pungent |
pH value | 2.8 |
Melting point/ Freezing point [°C] | 15°C |
Auto-ignition temperature [°C] | 300 °C |
Vapour density | 1.04 |
Density [g/cm3] | 1.08 |
Solubility in water [% weight] | Infinitely soluble |
Explosion limits – upper [%] | 73% |
Explosion limits -lower [%] | 7% |
Specifications | |
Appearance | Clear colorless solution with strong pungent odor |
Assay | 37-38% w/w |
Methanol (CH3OH) | 8 – 12% |
Weight/ mL at 20°C | 1.080 – 1.090 g |
Colour scale | Max 10 APHA |
Acidity (as HCOOH) | Max 0.006 meq/g |
Residue on ignition | Max 0.005% |
Chloride (Cl) | Max 0.0005% |
Sulphate (SO4) | Max 0.002% |
Iron (Fe) | Max 0.0005% |
Hazardous Statement: H301-H311-H314- H317-H331-H335 -H351- H370 | |
Precaution Statement: P260-P280-P301 + P310-P305 + P351 + P338- P310 |
Physical Properties | |
Physical state at 20 °C | Liquid |
Colour | Clear Colorles |
Odour | Pungent |
pH value | 2.8 |
Melting point/ Freezing point [°C] | 15°C |
Auto-ignition temperature [°C] | 300 °C |
Vapour density | 1.04 |
Density [g/cm3] | 1.08 |
Solubility in water [% weight] | Infinitely soluble |
Explosion limits – upper [%] | 73% |
Explosion limits -lower [%] | 7% |
Specifications | |
Appearance | Clear colorless solution with strong pungent odor |
Assay | 37-38% w/w |
Methanol (CH3OH) | 8 – 12% |
Weight/ mL at 20°C | 1.080 – 1.090 g |
Colour scale | Max 10 APHA |
Acidity (as HCOOH) | Max 0.006 meq/g |
Residue on ignition | Max 0.005% |
Chloride (Cl) | Max 0.0005% |
Sulphate (SO4) | Max 0.002% |
Iron (Fe) | Max 0.0005% |
Hazardous Statement: H301-H311-H314- H317-H331-H335 -H351- H370 | |
Precaution Statement: P260-P280-P301 + P310-P305 + P351 + P338- P310 |
One of the primary uses of formaldehyde is in the production of various resins, including urea-formaldehyde (UF), phenol-formaldehyde (PF), and melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resins. These resins are widely used in the manufacturing of composite wood products, adhesives, coatings, and molded plastics.
Formaldehyde exhibits strong disinfectant properties and is used as a biocide in various applications such as water treatment, disinfection of medical equipment, and preservation of biological specimens in laboratories.
Formaldehyde-based resins are employed in textile finishing processes to impart wrinkle resistance, shrink resistance, and colorfastness to fabrics.
Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen by several health organizations, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Prolonged or repeated exposure to formaldehyde vapor or solution can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system. It may also cause allergic reactions and sensitization in some individuals.
Adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory masks, should be used when handling formaldehyde or working in areas where formaldehyde exposure is possible. Proper storage and handling practices should be followed to minimize the risk of exposure.
Formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products are regulated by government agencies in many countries due to concerns about indoor air quality and health effects. Manufacturers must comply with emission standards and labeling requirements to ensure consumer safety.
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