Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is a highly reactive aldehyde widely used in resin manufacturing, disinfection, and laboratory sample preservation.

Formaldehyde (CH₂O) – Properties, Applications, and Safety Information

Chemical Name: Formaldehyde
Chemical Formula: CH₂O
Chemical Class: Aldehydes, Organic Compounds

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Molecular Weight: 30.03 g/mol

• Boiling Point: –19.5 °C

• Melting Point: –92.0 °C

• Density: 0.815 g/cm³ (37% aqueous solution)

• Solubility: Completely soluble in water

• Reactivity: Reacts with strong reducing and oxidizing agents

• Stability: Stable under normal conditions but may polymerize upon exposure to heat or light

Applications

✅ Resin production – Used in the manufacture of phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins
✅ Paper and textile industry – Acts as a hardening and binding agent
✅ Medical sector – Used as a disinfectant and preservative
✅ Agriculture – Applied as a pesticide, fungicide, and fertilizer additive
✅ Laboratories – Serves as a tissue fixative and sample preservative

Safety Information

⚠️ Carcinogenic – Prolonged exposure may lead to cancer
❗ Inhalation hazard – Causes irritation to eyes, nose, throat, and lungs
❗ Contact hazard – Irritating to skin and eyes upon contact
✅ Storage – Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area away from light
✅ PPE: Chemical gloves, safety goggles, solvent mask, laboratory coat