What is Formaldehyde or Methanal?
Methanal or formaldehyde or formalin is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong, pungent odor. It is commonly used in various industries, including construction and medical, as a disinfectant and preservative. It is also found in many household products. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to cancer and other health issues.
| IUPAC Name | Methanal |
| Molecular Formula | H2CO |
| CAS Number | 50-00-0 |
| Synonyms | Formaldehyde; Formalin; Formol; Methyl Aldehyde; Methylene Oxide |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CH2O/c1-2/h1H2 |
Formaldehyde Properties
Formaldehyde Lewis Structure | CH2O Lewis Structure
The Lewis structure of formaldehyde is shown below:
H
|
C=O
|
H
The Lewis structure of a molecule is a representation of its electron arrangement and can be used to predict its chemical properties and reactivity.
CH2O Molecular Geometry
The molecular geometry of CH2O, also known as methanal, is trigonal planar. This means that the molecule has three atoms arranged in a flat, triangular shape, with the carbon atom at the center and the hydrogen and oxygen atoms at the corners. The molecular geometry of a molecule is a description of its shape and can be used to predict its reactivity and physical properties.
Formaldehyde Formula
The chemical formula of formaldehyde is H2CO. It is a common organic compound and is widely used in a variety of industries, including construction, medical, and consumer goods.
Formaldehyde Molar Mass
The molar mass of methanal is 30.03 g/mol. It is a simple organic compound consisting of a single carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The molar mass of a compound is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all of its constituent elements.
Formaldehyde Boiling Point
The boiling point of methanal is -19°C (or -2.2°F). It is a volatile, flammable gas at room temperature and pressure, and it readily evaporates into the air. The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to the atmospheric pressure, causing it to boil.
Formaldehyde Melting Point
The melting point of methanal is -92°C (or -134°F). It is a solid at low temperatures and can exist as a liquid or a gas at higher temperatures. The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid state.
Formaldehyde Density g/ml
The density of methanal is approximately 1.09 g/mL. The density of a substance is a measure of its mass per unit volume, and it can be used to calculate the amount of substance present in a given volume.
Formaldehyde Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of methanal is 30.03 g/mol. The molecular weight of a compound is a measure of the total mass of all the atoms in one molecule of the substance
Formaldehyde Structure
Methanal has a simple molecular structure, consisting of a single carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. It is a small, polar molecule that is commonly used as an intermediate in a variety of chemical reactions.
| Appearance | Colorless gas or clear, colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.1 (gas), 1.09 (liquid) |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Pungent, strong, irritating |
| Molar Mass | 30.03 g/mol |
| Density | 1.09 g/mL (liquid) |
| Melting Point | -92°C |
| Boiling Point | -19°C |
| Flash Point | -11°C |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and alcohol |
| Vapor Pressure | 19.8 kPa at 20°C |
| Vapor Density | 1.1 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 16.7 |
| pH | Neutral |
Note: The values listed are approximate and may vary slightly based on temperature, pressure, and other conditions.
Formaldehyde Safety and Hazards
Formalin is a hazardous chemical that can cause serious health effects if not handled properly. Inhaling high levels of formaldehyde can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as respiratory problems, headache, and dizziness. Prolonged exposure to low levels of formalin can also cause cancer. The chemical is classified as a carcinogen by several international agencies, including the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. When handling formaldehyde, it is important to use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection, and to work in well-ventilated areas. It is also important to follow proper storage and disposal procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
| Hazard Symbols | Flame, Health Hazard, Toxicity |
| Safety Description | S2 – Keep out of the reach of children. S20 – When using, do not eat, drink, or smoke. S24/25 – Avoid contact with skin and eyes. |
| UN ID | UN 1090 |
| HS Code | 2912.11.00 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Formaldehyde is a hazardous chemical that can cause serious health effects if not handled properly. It is classified as a carcinogen by several international agencies and can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as respiratory problems, headache, and dizziness. Prolonged exposure to low levels of formaldehyde can also cause cancer. |
Formaldehyde Synthesis Methods
Formaldehyde can be synthesized through a number of different methods, including the oxidation of methanol, the reaction of paraldehyde with sodium hydroxide, and the reaction of formic acid with sodium hypochlorite.
One of the most widely used methods for synthesizing formalin is the oxidation of methanol. This reaction is typically carried out over a metal oxide catalyst, such as silver or copper oxide, and results in the formation of formalin and water as the final products.
Another common method for synthesizing formalin is the reaction of paraldehyde with sodium hydroxide. This reaction results in the formation of formaldehyde and sodium formate, with the reaction rate being dependent on the concentration of the reactants and the temperature.
The reaction of formic acid with sodium hypochlorite is another method for synthesizing formalin. This reaction results in the formation of formaldehyde and sodium formate, with the reaction rate being dependent on the concentration of the reactants and the temperature.
Regardless of the method used, it is important to handle formalin with care and to follow proper safety procedures to minimize the risk of exposure to the hazardous chemical. Proper ventilation and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection, are recommended when handling formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde Uses
Formaldehyde is a versatile chemical with a wide range of industrial, medical, and household applications. Some of the most common uses of formaldehyde include:
- Formalin serves as a preservative in medical and biological specimens, as well as in consumer products like shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics.
- The healthcare industry utilizes formalin as a highly effective disinfectant to sterilize medical equipment and surfaces.
- Funeral homes use formalin as an embalming fluid to temporarily preserve the body and prevent decay.
- The production of wood-based products, such as particleboard, MDF, and plywood, involves the use of formalin.
- The textile industry utilizes formalin in the production of wrinkle-resistant fabric to set the fabric’s shape.
- Some adhesives, such as urea-formaldehyde, rely on formalin in their production.
- The production of certain fertilizers also involves formalin as a source of nitrogen.
It is important to handle methanal with care, as it is a hazardous chemical that can cause serious health effects if not handled properly. It is important to follow proper safety procedures, such as using appropriate personal protective equipment, and to follow proper storage and disposal procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Questions:
Does Formaldehyde cause cancer?
Formaldehyde has been classified as a carcinogenic substance by several international health organizations. This means that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that formaldehyde exposure can cause cancer in humans.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified formaldehyde as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means that it is a substance that is known to cause cancer in humans. Similarly, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has concluded that formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen.
Formaldehyde exposure has been linked to several types of cancer, including leukemia, nasopharyngeal cancer, and cancers of the lung, nose, and throat. The risk of cancer from formaldehyde exposure is higher for workers in industries that use formaldehyde, such as funeral directors, embalmers, and workers in the wood and textile industries.
It is important to minimize exposure to formaldehyde, especially for workers in industries that use formaldehyde on a regular basis. This can be done by using appropriate personal protective equipment, such as respirators and gloves, and by following proper safety procedures, such as good ventilation practices.
What is HCHO?
HCHO is the chemical formula for formaldehyde, a highly reactive, colorless gas with a strong, pungent odor. Formaldehyde is a widely used chemical in a variety of industrial, medical, and household applications. However, it is also a hazardous substance that can cause serious health effects if not handled properly. It is important to handle formaldehyde with care, to follow proper safety procedures, and to use appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of exposure.
Is formaldehyde polar? Is CH2O polar or nonpolar?
Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a polar molecule. This is because it has a polar covalent bond between the carbon atom and the oxygen atom, and the molecule has a bent shape due to the presence of an oxygen atom with a higher electronegativity than the carbon atom. This creates a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom, making the molecule polar. In general, polar molecules have a positive end and a negative end, which gives them the ability to dissolve in polar solvents and interact with other polar molecules. The polarity of formaldehyde makes it soluble in water and enables it to participate in hydrogen bonding, both of which are important properties that contribute to its versatility and wide range of applications.