Formaldehyde

CH₂O

IUPAC: Methanal

CAS: 50-00-0

Overview

Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde, used in resins and as a preservative. Formalin (37% formaldehyde in water) is used to preserve biological specimens.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 2 1.0080
Carbon C 1 12.0110
Oxygen O 1 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×2
6.7%
C
Carbon ×1
40.0%
O
Oxygen ×1
53.3%

Uses

  • • Resin production
  • • Biological preservative
  • • Disinfectant
  • • Plywood adhesive

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Formaldehyde is naturally produced in the human body as part of metabolism — about 50g per day

Safety

  • ⚠ Carcinogen
  • ⚠ Toxic
  • ⚠ Severe irritant

Structure

SMILES

C=O

Properties

Type
organic
State
gas
Molar Mass
30.03 g/mol
Density
0.0008 g/cm³
Melting Point
-92.0 °C
Boiling Point
-19.0 °C
Solubility
Miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
30.0106
XLogP
1.2
TPSA
17.1 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
2
Complexity
2.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Methanal.
What is the molecular weight of Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde has a molar mass of 30.03 g/mol.
What state is Formaldehyde at room temperature?
Formaldehyde is a gas at room temperature.
Is Formaldehyde organic or inorganic?
Formaldehyde is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).