Formalidehydiä

Formalidehydiä, known chemically as formaldehyde, is the simplest aldehyde with the molecular formula CH2O. It occurs naturally in trace amounts in the atmosphere and is produced by both biogenic and anthropogenic processes, such as wood combustion, tire wear, and certain industrial reactions. The compound is colorless, has a pungent odor, and is miscible in water, forming a solution commonly referred to as formalin when it contains 37 percent methanol.

Industrial production of formaldehyde is dominated by the oxidation of methanol in the presence of a silver catalyst, a process that releases a significant portion of the consumed methanol as CO2 and H2O. Alternative synthesis routes include the formose reaction and the oxidation of other CH4 derivatives, though these methods are less economically viable on a commercial scale. Once formed, formaldehyde is widely employed as a biocidal agent owing to its ability to cross‑link proteins and nucleic acids, thereby preserving tissues, disinfecting surfaces, and preventing the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Beyond its disinfectant role, formaldehyde serves as a key raw material in the manufacture of polymers such as urea‑formaldehyde resins and phenol‑formaldehyde resins, which are then used in adhesives, coatings, and composite materials. In the laboratory, formaldehyde is a standard reagent for fixation in histology and for the synthesis of various organic compounds.

However, exposure to formaldehyde poses health risks. It is classified as a human carcinogen by major regulatory agencies, with inhalation and dermal exposure linked to respiratory irritation, allergic dermatitis, and increased risk of nasopharyngeal cancer. Accordingly, occupational exposure limits are strictly regulated, and the use of protective equipment and ventilation systems is mandatory in industries that handle the compound. Public health guidelines also restrict the concentration of formaldehyde in indoor environments to mitigate long‑term health effects.