Formaldehyde Formula CH
2
O
The Formaldehyde Formula is
CH
2
O.
It is the simplest aldehyde made of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen.
The aldehyde group consists mainly of
Formaldehyde
. Let us take a look at what aldehyde is first. It is an organic compound with a functional group (-CHO) in its molecular formula. This functional group is present in the molecular formula of formaldehyde, which is referred to as the primary one-carbon aldehyde in this case.
The chemical formula of this compound consists of one carbon and a hydrogen atom attached to the aldehyde group. It is the first member of this compound genre that contains only one carbon atom in the aldehyde group. The formaldehyde formula contains only one carbon atom.
Find out why formaldehyde is considered an aldehyde by learning its detailed structural formula. H-CHO
The hydrogen atom is linked to the carbon atom in the -CHO group, which is why it is also called methanal since 'meth' stands for an organic compound with one carbon atom.
Formaldehyde Formula Structure
Formaldehyde, also known as Methanal, can be described using its chemical formula, CH
2
O. Its functional group, -CHO, identifies it as an aldehyde. This functional group consists of one carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. Understanding these basic details helps us recognize and work with this important chemical compound more effectively.
Formaldehyde Formula Name
Methanal
is the Formaldehyde Formula Name. Formaldehyde is represented by the formula CH
2
Oand is part of a group of chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can transform into gas when at room temperature.
Formaldehyde Chemical Formula
When we find the formaldehyde chemical formula, we notice that the structural formula is not properly explained. It is easier to understand how formaldehyde is bonded to the hydrogen atom when the carbon bonds are properly shown in the structure. For formaldehyde, the chemical formula is CH
2
O. You will discover in the advanced chapters of organic chemistry that structural formulas help clarify the chemical characteristics of organic compounds.
Properties of Formaldehyde (CH
2
O)
Read the properties of Formaldehyde in the table given below:
|
Properties of Formaldehyde
|
|
CH
2
O
|
Formaldehyde
|
|
Density
|
815 kg/m³
|
|
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass
|
30.031 g/mol
|
|
Boiling Point
|
-19 °C
|
|
Melting Point
|
-92.0 oC
|
|
Chemical Formula
|
HCHO
|
Also Check –
Azelaic Acid Formula
Formaldehyde Formula IUPAC Name
The IUPAC name for formaldehyde is "Methanal. Formaldehyde stands at the forefront of aliphatic aldehydes and boasts remarkable reactivity. While commonly known as a gas, it can also be found in a dissolved state within water or other solvents. This versatile substance occurs naturally and finds extensive use across various industries and applications.
Formulae of Formaldehyde
This white solid is Paraformaldehyde, a trimer of molecular formaldehyde. It dissolves easily in organic solvents without degrading. While insoluble in most solvents, it has the formula HO (CH
2
O) NH. Metanediol, with the formula CH
2
(OH)
2
, also exists as a white solid. Keep in mind that this compound can exist in different forms depending on temperature and concentration, including oligomers and short polymers in equilibrium.
Furthermore, formaldehyde is a complex compound with various forms that can be used interchangeably and can interconnect. As a colorless gas with a strong and irritating smell, it remains stable at 150 °C but will polymerize when condensed into liquid form.
It is a trimer of molecular formaldehyde. 1,3,5 Trioxane, of formula (CH
2
O)
3
. It is a white solid that dissolves without degradation in organic solvents. Paraformaldehyde, of formula HO (CH
2
O) NH.
Also Check –
Hexane Formula
Uses of Formaldehyde
-
The wood industry utilizes formaldehyde-based resins in various panels and products, such as composite and engineered wood used in furniture, countertops, moldings, shelving, stair systems, siding flooring, wall coverings, support beams, trusses and other home furnishings. These adhesives are highly effective binders that provide both quality and cost-efficiency. By incorporating these resins into their production processes, the wood industry is able to promote sustainable use of forest resources and reduce waste.
-
In the manufacture of vaccines, anti-infective drugs, and capsules, formaldehyde has long been used safely.
-
Many personal care and consumer products contain formaldehyde chemistry.
-
Formaldehyde technology makes vehicles lighter and more energy-efficient. Formaldehyde-based resins are used for internal molded components and under-hood components that must withstand high temperatures.
