Its chemical formula is CH2O, and its structure consists of a carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and a double-bonded oxygen atom.
Formaldehyde is a colourless, pungent, and flammable gas at room temperature.
It was first isolated by a Russian chemist, Alexander Butlerov, in 1859. He named it "formyl aldehyde" after the Latin word for ant, formica.
Though at room temperature, it is gas, it can be dissolved in water to form a solution called formalin, which is widely used as a preservative and disinfectant.
Formaldehyde has many industrial and medical applications.
It's also used for tanning leather, treating vegetable fibres, and embalming dead bodies.
However, formaldehyde is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can damage the lungs, liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
Formaldehyde should be stored in well-ventilated areas away from heat and flames.
Protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, masks, and aprons should be worn when working with formaldehyde or its liquid variant called formalin.
Formaldehyde spills should be cleaned up promptly with water or neutralizing agents.
Image from Pixabay
The information provided in this post has been obtained from multiple, authentic resources. However, it is presented in an abridged format and might not have all the details. Therefore, before acting on any information, readers are requested to exercise caution and do further research.
This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023. I am also on A2Z April Challenge.
Perhaps in bad taste but it was excellent for preserving deformed foetus, victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam/American war.
ReplyDeleteYes, preserving bodies is one use of formalin, the liquid version of formaldehyde.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, first... how the heck have I not had D and E appear on my reader? Have been back and read them now, too ... so add in F and I am caught up on this excellent series of posts reminding us how much chemicals are a part of our lives and the pros and cons of them. YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Thank you. Yes, chemical are so much a part of our daily lives. Even water is a chemical is it not?!!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, I know the smell well from dissecting in biology class. It is distinctive.
ReplyDeleteJamie (jannghi.blogspot.com):
DeleteThat is what I thought of when I saw this post.
Yes, indeed. Biology class is what I remember too.
DeleteI did not know that it was named after ants. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's an interesting bit.
DeleteGood discussion. Most people only know formaldehyde from animals soaking in it for biology class...
ReplyDeleteHi John - Yes, that is right.
DeleteThanks. I learned something new. In my school days, I stayed as far away as possible from science subjects.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I like science.
Delete