Formalin

Other commercial names

Formaldehyde, Formalin, Methanal, Formol, Paraformaldehyde

Chemical formula

CH₂O

Physical properties

A saturated water solution, of 37% formaldehyde, is called formalin. it evaporates toxic vapors and has been identified as a  known carcinogens.

Product type

Industrial   

Interactions

The formaldehyde dissolves well in water and is polymerized in water, including small HCHO monomers connected together. Formalin often has a small percentage of methanol to limit polymerization. Formaldehyde has the same properties as other aldehydes. The difference is that it usually is more reactive than other aldehydes.

Production Process

The formaldehyde in the industry is made up of methanol catalytic oxidation. Iron or molybdenum oxide is commonly used as a catalyst but some use silver as a catalyst.

storage

Materials should be kept in a ventilated space, away from Chloric acid and heat.