Formalde - hyde

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.

About Formaldehyde

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.

Technical Data

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 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

Use of Formaldehyde

Resin Production

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.

Disinfectant and Biocide

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.

Textile Treatment

Formaldehyde-based resins are employed in textile finishing processes to impart wrinkle resistance, shrink resistance, and colorfastness to fabrics.

Safety Conside-rations

Health Hazards

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.

Safety Precautions

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.

Regulatory Compliance

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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