Formaldehyde
CAS number:50-00-0
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Molecular Formula:
CH2O / H2CO
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Molecular Weight:
30.026 g/mol
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Brief Introduction:
Formaldehyde, also known as formic aldehyde and formalin (aqueous solution), is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong pungent odor. It can be formed by the oxidation or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It is highly soluble in water and usually exists in the form of an aqueous solution of about 37%, called formalin or formaldehyde. Formaldehyde has a wide range of uses, including the manufacture of resins, textiles, as a disinfectant, and as a fixative or preservative in laboratories. However, formaldehyde is also a known human carcinogen that can cause a variety of diseases, such as nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia, and has acute toxic effects on the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory mucosa. Long-term exposure may also cause neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and genotoxicity. In food, formaldehyde occurs naturally in some fruits, vegetables, animals, and microorganisms, and can be generated by the decomposition of sugars, amino acids, and lipids during thermal processing, but most of it is removed during cooking by reacting with proteins, amino acids, and polyphenols. In addition, formaldehyde and its derivatives pose a threat to the environment, and measures need to be taken to limit their spread. Therefore, many countries and organizations have formulated strict regulations to control the use and emission of formaldehyde.
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Properities:
Prevalence: One of the most common compounds in outdoor environments. [3] Discovery: First discovered by Butlerow in 1855.[1] First synthesized by: von Hofmann in 1867. [1] Sources: Originates from natural processes and human activities. [3] Natural sources: Biomass burning and vegetation. [3] Traditional production method: Oxidation of methanol at above 400°C. [1] Alternative synthesis approach: Can be synthesized from carbon dioxide, but limited by low kinetic and thermodynamic stability. [1] Alternative CO2 reduction strategy: Hydrogenation of organic carbonates. [1] Role in methylotrophic pathways: Central intermediate in most methylotrophic pathways. [1] Role in organic synthesis: Key building block in the chemical industry for resins, polymers, adhesives, and paints. [1] CO2 conversion method: Reduction of carbon dioxide to acetal. [1] DNA damage: Easily generates chromosomal DNA damages, including DNA-protein cross-links (DPC), DNA strand cross-links, and DNA strand breaks. [2] Protein damage: Generates severe protein damage by inducing protein crosslinking and forming toxic compounds. [2] Cytotoxicity effect: Impedes efficient methanol assimilation and restricts biomass accumulation. [2] Urban challenge: Poses major challenges to the quality of human life in urban settings. [3] Human activities: Vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and coal combustion. [3] Primary emission cause: Incomplete combustion. [3] Generation process: Oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. [3] Carcinogen classification: Classified as a human carcinogen (Group 1) by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). [3] EPA recognition: Recognized as the most critical carcinogenic substance among the 187 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). [3] Low-level effect: Even low levels (e.g., 1 µg/m3) may increase the probability of lung and nasopharyngeal cancers. [3] High-level exposure symptoms: Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, nausea, headaches, and fatigue. [3] Excessive inhalation effects: May lead to severe health issues including emphysema, renal failure, and various other conditions, potentially resulting in deformities and cancer. [3] -
References:
[1] Hydrogenation of organic carbonates and formate derivatives to formaldehyde under one atmosphere of H2 by an unsymmetrical phosphorus-nitrogen P N3P-pincer Mn complex
[2] Repair of DNA and protein damages caused by formaldehyde improves methanol assimilation
[3] Global comparative of cancer and non-cancer risk of inhalation exposure to formaldehyde in the outdoor environments, 1997-2024: a Monte Carlo simulation and meta-analysis survey
Aldehydes
Formaldehyde is the simplest and most widely used aldehyde.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
As a volatile chemical, it evaporates easily at room temperature.
Carcinogens
Classified as a probable human carcinogen by organizations like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Disinfectants and Biocides
Due to its antimicrobial properties, formaldehyde is often used as a disinfectant or in sterilizing equipment.
Solvents
Formaldehyde can act as a solvent in various chemical processes.
Preservatives
Often used as a preservative in laboratories and mortuaries, as well as in certain cosmetics and personal care products.
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