Paraformaldehyde
General Product Information
| Article | Paraformaldehyde |
| Synonyms | Polyoxymethylene, PFA |
| CAS No. | 30525-89-4 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 200-001-8 |
| IMO | Class 4.1. |
| Tariff Code | 29126000 |
| UN No. | 2213 |
| VLG/ADR | Class 4.1, Packing Group III |
Description
Paraformaldehyde is a white to light gray powder or solid with a characteristic pungent formaldehyde odor. It is the polymeric solid form of formaldehyde and consists of linear chains of the monomer (CH2O)n. Paraformaldehyde is widely used as a disinfectant, fixative, disinfectant and as a raw material in industrial chemistry.
Characteristics
- Odor: Strong, penetrating, characteristic formaldehyde odor.
- Hygroscopic: –
- Color: White to light gray.
- Grade: Technical.
- Solubility: Soluble in water.
- Shape: crystalline powder or granule.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | (CH2O)n |
| Molar Weight. | Depending on chain length; 30-90 units on average |
| Melting Point | 150-180 °C (decomposes) |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | – |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Neutral to slightly acidic (in solution) |
Applications
Paraformaldehyde is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Chemical Industry
As a formaldehyde source at production of synthetic resins (urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde), coatings, adhesives and plastics.
2. Agriculture
In biocides and plant protection products.
3. Disinfection
For sterilizing laboratories, hospitals and clean rooms, as well as as a disinfectant for stables, incubators and greenhouses.
4. Paper & Textile Industry
For reinforcing and treating cellulose fibers.
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – Paraformaldehyde
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- PubChem – Paraformaldehyde – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Paraformaldehyde