paraformaldehydiä

Paraformaldehydiä is the Finnish term for paraformaldehyde, a polymer of formaldehyde. It exists as a white solid, often appearing as a powder or granular material. Paraformaldehyde is a convenient way to store and transport formaldehyde, as it is less volatile and easier to handle than the gaseous or aqueous forms. When heated, paraformaldehyde depolymerizes, releasing gaseous formaldehyde. This property makes it useful in various chemical reactions and industrial applications.

Paraformaldehyde is commonly employed as a source of formaldehyde in organic synthesis, particularly for reactions like hydroxymethylation and Mannich reactions. It finds use in the production of resins, such as phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins, which are essential in the manufacturing of adhesives, laminates, and coatings. In the agricultural sector, it has applications as a soil disinfectant and a preservative for animal feed. Medical uses include its role as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent for medical equipment, and in some dental applications. Handling paraformaldehyde requires care due to the release of formaldehyde gas, which is an irritant and a known carcinogen. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment are necessary when working with this substance.