Paraformaldehyde

Paraformaldehyde is a high molecular polymer with the molecular formula (CH₂O)ₙ. It appears as a white amorphous powder with a formaldehyde odor and is a linear polymer of formaldehyde. It has no fixed melting point and decomposes upon heating. Melting point ranges from 120 to 170°C. It is easily soluble in hot water, releasing formaldehyde, and slowly soluble in cold water. It can dissolve in caustic alkalis and alkali metal carbonate solutions but is insoluble in alcohols and ethers. Its highly polymerized form is insoluble in water. It can undergo reactions similar to formaldehyde, such as chloromethylation and acetal formation with alcohols. It is used in synthetic resins, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, bactericides, insecticides, disinfectants, etc.
Chinese Name: Paraformaldehyde
Aliases: Polyoxymethylene; Polymerized Formaldehyde; Solid Formaldehyde
Chemical Formula: (CH₂O)ₙ
Molecular Weight: 30n
CAS Registry Number: 30525-89-4
EINECS Registry Number: 608-494-5
Melting Point: 175°C
Boiling Point: 107.25°C
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble in cold water, more soluble in hot water
Density: 0.88 g/cm³
Appearance: White amorphous powder
Flash Point: 71°C
Applications: Synthetic resins, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, bactericides, insecticides, etc.
Uses:
Paraformaldehyde is primarily used in the production and application of herbicides, as well as in the manufacture of synthetic resins (such as artificial horn products) and adhesives. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry (as an active ingredient in contraceptive creams) and for disinfecting pharmacies, clothing, and bedding. Additionally, paraformaldehyde serves as a fumigant disinfectant, bactericide, and insecticide.
Low-polymerization-degree paraformaldehyde can replace conventional industrial formaldehyde aqueous solutions in the synthesis of various downstream formaldehyde products, such as pesticides, synthetic resins, coatings, and fumigant disinfectants. This substitution not only reduces energy consumption for dehydration but also significantly decreases wastewater treatment volumes, contributing to an environmentally friendly initiative beneficial to both the nation and the people. Due to its higher effective content compared to industrial formaldehyde and its solid granular form, low-polymerization-degree paraformaldehyde is advantageous for applications in chemical synthesis and other industrial fields, particularly in syntheses requiring anhydrous formaldehyde as a raw material. It is also widely used as a disinfectant, bactericide, fumigant, herbicide, and in the production of resins and artificial materials.
Industrial Use:
Used in synthetic resins, adhesives, coatings, and other industries.
Agricultural Use:
Used in the production of herbicides: Glyphosate, Alachlor, Butachlor, Acetochlor, Propachlor, etc.
Used in the production of insecticides: Tetramethrin, Bifenthrin, Tricyclazole, Triadimefon, Dazomet, Bronopol, etc.
Used in plant growth regulators: Glyphosine