Paraformaldehyde

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Description

An amorphous white polymer of Formaldehyde. Paraformaldehyde is used as a Disinfectant, Fumigant, Fungicide, and Hardener for Gelatin. Because paraformaldehyde continually evolves gaseous formaldehyde, it is also used experimentally as a controlled source for formaldehyde exposure.

FTIR

AaiFORMALDHYDE.jpg

Synonyms and Related Terms

polyoxymethylene; metaformaldehyde; polyformaldehyde; paraform; formagene; paraffins; Stopmildew (Durban, S.Africa)

Risks

  • Combustible.
  • Flash point = 70C (158F).
  • Toxic by ingestion and inhalation of vapors.
  • Paraformaldehyde continually evolves formaldehyde fumes.
  • CDH: SDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in strong alkalis. Insoluble in ethanol and ether.

Composition (HCHO)x
CAS 30525-89-4
Melting Point 120-170 C
Density 1.45 g/ml

Resources and Citations

  • G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 342
  • Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
  • S.R.Trotman, E.R. Trotman, Textile Analysis, J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1932