What is formalin? Write its uses.

Solution :

Formalin

A 37−40% solution of formaldehyde in water is called formalin. IUPAC name for formaldehyde is methanal. HCHO is the chemical formula for it. It is colourless liquid. It is the simplest aldehyde. It is an organic chemical made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

It is a flammable liquid and has a potent pungent odour at room temperature. Scientists, medical professionals, and businesses are all interested in it because of its special chemical properties. Formaldehyde can be used in a variety of ways. It is one of the most comprehended organic compounds and is used in many home goods and construction materials.

Formaldehyde uses :

Formalin is what is created when formaldehyde is dissolved in water. This formalin is used in funeral homes, as a preservative in some food products, and as a disinfectant in industrial settings.

Used in industry
Used in medicine
utilised in construction and building
Food and additional uses


Uses of formaldehyde in industry:

  1. Plastic, resins, chemicals, explosives, and other manufactured materials all use formaldehyde.
  2. Additionally, it is utilised in sanitary items like tissues, paper towels, and napkins.
  3. In industrial settings, formalin is used as a disinfectant.

Uses of formaldehyde in medicine:

  1. It kills many bacteria, fungi etc so it is used as an antiseptic.
  2. Formaldehyde can be used to treat some parasites and warts.
  3. It sterilises them as well as aids in the production of some vaccines.
  4. Infections like urinary tract infections can be treated with it. Formaldehyde can stop the growth of bacteria.

Formaldehyde uses in building and construction:

Formaldehyde resins are used to manufacture wooden products used widely in furniture, cabinetry, mouldings, flooring, shelving, counter tops and other household furnishings. Wood panels are made from the wood which will be either disposed or burned hence minimizing wood wastage

Formaldehyde uses in food and others:

1. It is used as a preservative in food, paints and cosmetics.
2. Used as an antiseptic in medicine, disinfectant in the funeral home, used in making RDX.
3. To improve the yield of fuels it is used in petroleum and natural gas industries.
4. It is also used in the manufacture of ink.

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