Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde, a colorless, poisonous gas with a sharp odor. Formaldehyde is very chemically reactive. It is the simplest of the aldehydes (a class of compounds of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen).
Formaldehyde is usually made by passing a mixture of wood (methyl) alcohol vapor and air over hot copper or silver gauze. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. For commercial preparations, formaldehyde is usually dissolved in water to form an aqueous solution called formalin. Formaldehyde in solid form is called paraformaldehyde or paraform.
One of the most important uses of formaldehyde is in the manufacture of synthetic resins that are used in adhesives and plastics. It is also commonly used as a disinfectant, germicide, and insecticide, and as a preservative for plant, animal, and bacteria specimens. Formaldehyde is used in the processing of leather and furs, and is an ingredient of embalming fluids, dyes, and fertilizer.
Chemical formula: HCHO.