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Send EmailFormaldehyde, Methyl Aldehyde, Formol, Methanal, Methylene oxide, Formic Aldehyde, Farmalin, Formalin, %37, 50-00-0, 8013-13-6
Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is a colorless, pungent-smelling, highly soluble organic compound widely used across multiple industries. It is the simplest aldehyde and one of the most important building blocks in chemical manufacturing.
🔹 Chemical Properties
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Chemical Formula: CH₂O
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CAS Numbers: 50-00-0 ; 8013-13-6
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Molecular Weight: 30.03 g/mol
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Appearance: Colorless gas with strong odor
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Density: 0.8153 g/cm³ (at −20 °C)
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Melting Point: −92 °C (pure), −21 °C (37% solution)
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Boiling Point: −19 °C (pure), −15 °C (37% solution)
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Packaging: Available in drums, IBC tanks, and bulk tankers
🔹 Applications
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Chemical Industry: Production of phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins, plastics, and polymers
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Construction Materials: Used in particleboard, MDF, plywood, and insulation materials (glass wool, rock wool)
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Textile & Paper: Permanent press fabrics, paper strengthening agents
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Medical Field: Preservation of biological specimens (formalin solution), sterilization
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Agriculture & Aquaculture: Fertilizers, pesticides, disinfectants for fish farms and mushroom cultivation
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Cosmetics & Household Products: Preservatives in detergents, softeners, and cleaning agents
🔹 Safety & Hazards
Formaldehyde is classified as a toxic and carcinogenic substance.
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Short-term exposure: Irritation of eyes, nose, throat; coughing, breathing difficulties
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Long-term exposure: Allergic reactions, asthma-like symptoms, increased risk of nasal and lung cancer
Storage Guidelines:
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Typically stored as a 37% aqueous solution (formalin), often stabilized with ~15% methanol.
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Must be kept in approved flammable storage cabinets, away from heat and ignition sources.
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Large containers (>4 L) should be placed in secondary containment on low shelves.
🔹 Synonyms
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Methanal
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Methyl aldehyde
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Formic aldehyde
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Formalin (aqueous solution)
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Formol
📊 Formaldehyde – Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Application | Suitability / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Industry | Production of resins, plastics, polymers | Highly suitable. Core raw material. |
| Construction | Particleboard, MDF, plywood, insulation (glass wool, rock wool) | Widely used. Emission limits (E1/E0 standards) must be considered. |
| Textile | Permanent press fabrics, finishing chemicals | Usage declining. Formaldehyde-free alternatives increasingly preferred. |
| Paper Industry | Paper strengthening, coating processes | Suitable, but worker safety requires controlled use. |
| Medical / Laboratory | Preservation of specimens (formalin solution), sterilization | Highly suitable. Must be handled in controlled environments due to toxicity. |
| Agriculture & Farming | Fertilizers, pesticides, disinfectants for fish farms and mushroom cultivation | Suitable, but environmental risks require strict dosage and application control. |
| Cosmetics | Preservative in detergents, softeners, cleaning products | Limited suitability. Restricted by EU and Turkish regulations. |
| Household Products | Adhesives, paints, coatings, cleaning agents | Suitable, but low-formaldehyde products are recommended. |
| Food Industry | Formerly used as preservative | Not suitable. Banned as food additive. |
📌 Notes
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Carcinogenic classification: Formaldehyde is recognized as a human carcinogen by WHO and EPA.
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Regulations: Strict emission limits apply in the EU, US, and Turkey, especially for furniture and building materials.
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Alternatives: Formaldehyde-free binders and preservatives are increasingly adopted in textiles and cosmetics.
