Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde, with formula CH₂O. It is a reactive gas used to make resins and other chemicals, and its aqueous solution is called formalin.

Aldehyde: An organic compound containing a carbonyl group bonded to at least one hydrogen atom. Formaldehyde is the smallest member of this carbonyl-containing family.
Urea-formaldehyde resin: A thermosetting polymer made from urea and formaldehyde, widely used in composite wood products. It is a major adhesive resin made from formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde exposure: Contact with formaldehyde through inhalation, ingestion, or skin exposure. The gas can irritate eyes and airways, while solutions can irritate or sensitize skin.
August Wilhelm von Hofmann: A German chemist who reported formaldehyde in 1867 while studying methanol oxidation. His work established the preparation and identification of formaldehyde.
Nucleophilic addition: A reaction in which a nucleophile bonds to an electrophilic atom, often at a carbonyl carbon. Water and other nucleophiles add readily to formaldehyde’s carbonyl carbon.
Phenol-formaldehyde resin: A thermosetting polymer produced from phenol and formaldehyde, including Bakelite. Formaldehyde links phenol units into heat-resistant materials.
Carcinogen: An agent capable of causing cancer in humans or other animals. Formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic to humans by major health agencies.
Silver-catalyzed methanol oxidation: An industrial process that produces formaldehyde by oxidizing methanol over a silver catalyst. It is one of the principal routes from methanol to formaldehyde.
Methanediol: The hydrated form of formaldehyde, with formula CH₂(OH)₂, present in aqueous solution. Dissolved formaldehyde exists predominantly in this hydrated form.
Melamine-formaldehyde resin: A hard, durable thermosetting polymer made from melamine and formaldehyde. This resin uses formaldehyde to make laminates and molded products.

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