Paraformaldehyde, Polyoxymethylene, Polyoxymethylene (POM), Formaldehyde Polymer, Trioxane, Paraform, PFA, %91,%96, 30525-89-4

Paraformaldehyde, Polyoxymethylene, Polyoxymethylene (POM), Formaldehyde Polymer, Trioxane, Paraform, PFA, %91,%96, 30525-89-4

Paraformaldehyde is a polymer of formaldehyde, typically appearing as a white, solid substance. It is commonly used in various industrial and laboratory applications due to its high reactivity. Here are some key points about paraformaldehyde:

The physical and chemical properties of paraformaldehyde are as follows:

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: White, crystalline solid

• Odor: Sharp, characteristic formaldehyde odor

• Melting Point: 120-170°C (depending on the degree of polymerization)

• Solubility: Insoluble in water, but can hydrolyze to form formaldehyde solution

• The CAS number for paraformaldehyde is 30525-89-4.

Chemical Properties:

• Chemical Formula: (CH₂O)ₙ

• Molecular Weight: Varies depending on the degree of polymerization

• Reactivity: Highly reactive and used in many organic synthesis processes

• Flammability: Flammable and can release toxic gases during combustion

• Chemical Formula: (CH₂O)ₙ

• Appearance: White, crystalline solid

• Uses:

  • Disinfectant: Used in medical and laboratory settings for sterilization.

  • Fixative: Employed in histology and pathology to preserve tissue samples.

  • Resin Production: Utilized in the manufacture of phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins.

  • Agriculture: Acts as a fumigant and pesticide.

Paraformaldehyde is a versatile chemical with a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some detailed uses:

Industrial Applications:

• Resin Production: Paraformaldehyde is widely used in the production of phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins, which are essential in the manufacture of plywood, particleboard, and other wood products.

• Adhesives: It serves as a hardening component in phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF) adhesives, which are used in high-performance wood bonding applications.

Medical and Laboratory Uses:

• Fixative: Paraformaldehyde is commonly used as a fixative in immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry protocols to preserve tissue and cell samples.

• Disinfectant: It is used as a disinfectant in medical and laboratory settings due to its ability to kill a wide range of microorganisms.

Agricultural Uses:

• Fumigant: Paraformaldehyde is used as a fumigant to control pests and diseases in agricultural settings.

• Pesticides: It is an active ingredient in some fungicides and bactericides.

Miscellaneous Uses:

• Chemical Intermediate: Paraformaldehyde is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

• Polymer Production: It is used in the production of polyoxymethylene plastics, which are known for their high strength and rigidity.

Paraformaldehyde is also known by several other names, including:

araformaldehyde is known by several other names, including:

• Polyoxymethylene (POM)

• Formaldehyde Polymer

• Paraform

• Polyformaldehyde

• Trioxane (in some contexts)

• Polyoxymethylene

• Formaldehyde polymer

• Trioxane

Paraformaldehyde is commonly known as "formalin" in everyday language. Formalin is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde and is often used as a disinfectant and preservative. Paraformaldehyde, on the other hand, is the solid form of formaldehyde and can be used for similar purposes.