Formaldehyde is an organic compound and the simplest aldehyde. It is a colourless, highly flammable gas with a pungent odour. Formaldehyde is a reactive substance and can react with many polymerizers and substances easily. However, due to its volatility and toxicity, it has negative effects on human health. Formaldehyde is readily soluble in water and is commonly distributed as a 37% solution in water.
Characteristics
Molar Weight
30.026 g/mol
Melting Point
–92 °C
Boiling Point
–19.5 °C
Flash Point
83°C
Density
0.815 g/cc
Packing
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Uses and Applications
Key Applications
Formaldehyde is used as an intermediate to produce resins such as urea formaldehyde resins which is extensively used in paint industry.
An aqueous solution of formaldehyde can be useful as a disinfectant as it kills most bacteria and fungi.
Formaldehyde is employed as a mordant in textile manufacture during the dyeing and printing process to facilitate the bonding of color to the fabric cells.