formaldehyde

CH₂O
100%
Structural formula of formaldehyde

formaldehyde, methanal, formol, methyl aldehyde, methylene oxide, oxomethane

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong smell that polymerizes spontaneously into paraformaldehyde. It is usually stored in aqueous solution (called formalin). Formaldehyde is toxic (carcinogenic) and very volatile but sees widespread use (especially in production of industrial resins).

H301H311H314H317H331H335H341H350H370P201P280P303+P361+P353P304+P340+P310P305+P351+P338P308+P310
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Physical characteristics

Molecular mass30
Density815 g/m³
Melting point-92.1 -134 181
Boiling point-19.1 -2.47 254
Flash point63.9 147 337
Fire point430 806 703
Partition coeff. (logP)0.35
Solubility (water)13.3 mol/L400 g/L

Reactions using formaldehyde


Compound added to the database on May 5, 2021, last modified on August 20, 2022.