What is Formaldehyde?
The other name for Formaldehyde is methanol or it is an organic compound that is largely used by chemical industries as a precursor in the production of resins, coatings, or textiles etc. the chemical formula for the compound is CH2O and its molar mass is 30.026 g mL-1 approx.
Formaldehyde Structure
it is formed when one functional group of aldehyde combines with hydrogen. Its structure is quite simple as given below.
Formaldehyde Chemical Formula
It can be found in nature or defined as one of the major components of the atmosphere in the interstellar space. It is formed when methane and oxygen react together in the atmosphere. It can be found in mammal bodies too or the environment when decomposed through a light. It can be prepared by multiple methods for oxidation of methanol, metal catalyzed by copper, copper, ammonia or iron etc when heated at high temperatures.
2 CH3OH + O2 → 2 CH2O + 2 H2O
Formaldehyde Molecular Mass
This is a colorless compound with a pungent odor. The melting and boiling points are generally calculated as -15 ºC and -19.5 ºC and its density are given 1.09 g mL-1. The compound is soluble in water and forms a solution called formalin at a boiling point of 121 degree Celsius. It reacts violently with an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, and with nitrogen oxide lead to form an explosive reaction.
It is a highly versatile product that is generally used to promote a large number of reactions. It is also used as an antiseptic or disinfectant for most of the biological samples.