| Formaldehyde ( for-MAL-di-hide, US also fər-) (systematic name methanal) is an organic compound with the formula CH2O and structure H−CHO. The compound is a pungent, colourless gas that polymerises spontaneously into paraformaldehyde. It is stored as aqueous solutions (formalin), which consists mainly of the hydrate CH2(OH)2. It is the simplest of the aldehydes (R−CHO). As a precursor to many other materials and chemical compounds, in 2006 the global production of formaldehyde was estimated at 12 million tons per year. It is mainly used in the production of industrial resins, e.g., for particle board and coatings. Small amounts also occur naturally.
Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen and can cause respiratory and skin irritation upon exposure. |
