FORMALDEHYDE

FORMALDEHYDE

Formaldehyde is prepared commercially by catalytic vapour phase oxidation of methanol using air as the oxidizing agent and heated silver, copper, alumina or coke as catalysts. Formaldehyde does not occur naturally in significant amounts.

Formaldehyde is usually available as a solution of about 37% by weight of formaldehyde gas in water, usually with 1015% methanol added to prevent polymerization of the gas to solid paraformaldehyde. This solution is the full strength and also known as Formalin 100% or Formalin 40.

Uses

1.     Formaldehyde is used as disinfectant for dwelling , ships , excreta , instruments , storage houses , utensils , cloths , hospitals etc .as a germicide and fungicide for plants and vegetables destroying flies and other insects

2.     Phenolic resins , artificial silks and cellulose esters , dyes , organic chemicals , glass mirrors and explosives are manufactured from formaldehyde .

3.     It is also utilized for improving fastness of dyes on fabric tanning and other preserving hides .in photography for hardening gelatin plates and papers , to prevent mildew in speklt and wheat and rots and oats , to render casein , albumin and gelatin insoluble and also in chemical analysis .