Overview

Formaldehyde (for-MAL-duh-hide) is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong, pungent odor that tends to polymerize readily. Polymerization occurs when individual molecules of formaldehyde combine with each other to make very large molecules called polymers. Over 4 billion kilograms (10 billion pounds) of formaldehyde were produced in the United States in 2004, the vast majority of which was used in the production of plastics and other polymers. To make handling and shipping easier and safer, the compound is usually provided as a 37 percent solution of formaldehyde in water to which has been added an additional 15 percent of methanol (methyl alcohol) to prevent polymerization.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Methanal; oxomethylene; oxomethane; methylene oxide; formic aldehyde

Formula:

HCHO

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen

Compound Type:

Aldehyde (organic)

State:

Gas

Molecular Weight:

30.03 g/mol

Melting Point:

−92°C (−130°F)

Boiling Point:

−19.1°C (−2.38°F)

Solubility:

Very soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and benzene

Formaldehyde was first...