methyleneoxide

Methyleneoxide, also known as formaldehyde, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH2O. It is the simplest aldehyde, consisting of a formyl group (HCO-) attached to a hydrogen atom. At room temperature, methyleneoxide is a colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor. It is highly soluble in water, forming a solution commonly referred to as formalin.

Methyleneoxide is a crucial industrial chemical, primarily used in the production of various resins and polymers. Polyoxymethylene (POM), a type of engineering plastic, is a significant product derived from methyleneoxide. It is also a key component in the manufacture of urea-formaldehyde resins, melamine-formaldehyde resins, and phenol-formaldehyde resins, which find applications in adhesives, coatings, and molded products. Furthermore, methyleneoxide serves as a disinfectant, a preservative, and a component in embalming fluid due to its antimicrobial properties.

In biological systems, methyleneoxide is produced as a metabolic intermediate in various organisms, including humans. It is involved in single-carbon metabolism and can be detoxified by enzymes like formaldehyde dehydrogenase. However, methyleneoxide is also a known carcinogen and irritant. Exposure to high concentrations can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and eye damage. Due to its hazardous nature, occupational exposure limits are strictly regulated in industrial settings.