Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic chemical compound that is a highly reactive aldehyde gas formed by oxidation or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It is highly soluble in water. In solution, it is predominantly used as a chemical intermediate with minor uses in agriculture, as an analytical reagent, in plaster and concrete additives, wood preservative, cosmetics, disinfectants, and fumigants. Formaldehyde solution is considered a hazardous chemical compound, and its vapor is toxic.


Formaldehyde is a colorless gas synthesized by the oxidation of methanol. The chemical formula for the highly toxic organic chemical compound is CH2O. Its CAS number is 50-00-0.

In solution, formaldehyde has a wide range of uses. It is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, histologic fixative, and as a general-purpose chemical reagent for laboratory applications. The naturally occurring organic chemical compound is soluble in water and is generally distributed as a 37% solution in water.

Formaldehyde is more complicated than most simple carbon compounds as it adopts several different forms. As a gas, formaldehyde is colorless, with a characteristic irritating, pungent odor. Upon condensation, the gas converts to various other forms with different chemical formulas such as metaformaldehyde, or paraformaldehyde. These forms have more practical value, similar chemical properties, and are often used interchangeably.

Contact The Chemical Company today for the various grades, packaging options and lead times TCC can offer for Formaldehyde.


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The Chemical Company
44 Southwest Ave.
Post Office Box 436
Jamestown, RI 02835-0436

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