formaldehydiksi

Formaldehyde, also known as methanal, is the simplest member of the aldehyde family (chemical formula CH2O). It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor at room temperature and is highly soluble in water, forming formalin, a common 37% aqueous solution used as a preservative and disinfectant. In solution it can polymerize, so stabilizers such as methanol are often added in commercial products.

Industrial production is mainly by catalytic oxidation of methanol, using silver or metal oxide catalysts, to yield formaldehyde gas which is then captured in water to form aqueous solutions. Formaldehyde also occurs naturally in small amounts in living organisms and is produced during various metabolic and combustion processes. It can be released during the burning of organic materials and is a byproduct of some industrial activities.

Uses of formaldehyde are broad and include the manufacture of resins such as phenol-formaldehyde, urea-formaldehyde, and melamine-formaldehyde, which are used in plastics, coatings, textiles, and wood products. It is also employed as a disinfectant, a biocide, and a fixative in histology and pathology to preserve tissues, as well as a preservative for biological specimens. In small laboratory quantities, formaldehyde solutions are used for various chemical syntheses and educational purposes.

Safety and regulation: Formaldehyde is toxic and can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure has been linked to cancer, and it is classified as a known or suspected carcinogen by many health authorities. Occupational exposure limits are established, and controls emphasize good ventilation, enclosed systems, and appropriate personal protective equipment. Environmental fate involves general reactivity in the atmosphere and high water solubility, with degradation by natural processes.