FormaldehydeJerry Maxwell

The Discovery of FormaldehydeFormaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. It has

a simple chemical structure of CH2O. Formaldehyde was first reported in 1859 by Alexander Mikhailovich

Butlerov when he attempted to synthesize methylene glycol. However, formaldehyde wasn’t conclusively

identified until 1868, when August Wilhelm von Hofmann, a professor of chemistry and director of the laboratory

of the University of Berlin, set out to clearly establish both the structure and identity of formaldehyde. The

method that Hoffman used to identify formaldehyde laid the foundation for the modern formaldehyde

manufacturing process.

Alexander Butlerov August Wilhelm Von Hofmann

Formaldehyde is an organic compound

with the formula CH2O or HCHO. It is

the simplest aldehyde, hence its

systematic name methanal. The

common name of the substance

comes from its similarity and relation

to formic acid.

A gas at room

temperature, formaldehyde is

colorless and has a characteristic

pungent, irritating odor. It is an

important precursor to many other

materials and chemical compounds. In

2005, annual world production of

formaldehyde was estimated to be

8.7 million tonnes. Commercial

solutions of formaldehyde in

water, commonly called formol, were

formerly used as disinfectants and for

preservation of biological specimens.

Formaldehyde & Body Preservation

Modern embalming now

consists primarily of

removing all blood and gases

from the body and the

insertion of a disinfecting

fluid. Small incisions are

made in either the carotid

or femoral artery and the

jugular or femoral vein; the

disinfecting fluid is injected

through the carotid or

femoral artery, and the

blood is drained from the

jugular or femoral vein.

Common Uses of Formaldehyde Furniture, Flooring, Stairs, Cabinets and MoreGlues that use formaldehyde as a building block

are exceptional bonding agents. For example, formaldehyde-based resins are used to manufacture composite products used extensively in cabinetry, countertops, moldings, furniture, shelving, stair systems, flooring and many other household furnishings. These items are extremely economical due to the superior bonding properties and efficient production of formaldehyde-based glues.

Cars and TrucksFrom the front to the rear bumpers, formaldehyde-based materials are key to the manufacture of automobiles and are used to make components for the transmission, electrical system, engine block, door panels, axles and brake shoes, just to name a few. It's even used in the paint.

InksFormaldehyde-based materials are used to produce the dollar bills we spend every day, the documents we print from our computers and the ink used in books, magazines and newspapers.

Wrinkle-Free ClothingIn textiles, formaldehyde-based materials help bind dyes and pigments to fabrics and prevent the colors from running. These materials also help improve a fabric's resistance to wrinkles and ease clothing care and maintenance.

Industry UsesFormaldehyde is an important building block chemical that is vital to our economy. The wood products industry uses formaldehyde-based resins in a wide range of panel and board products, enabling efficient and economic use of wood resources. It is also important to agricultural and recreational products.

Little Known Uses of

Formaldehyde Smoking embalming fluid with PCP can result in: Hallucinations;

symptoms associated with schizophrenia, including delusions and

paranoia; difficulty with speech or thought; loss of self-identity;

depression and weight loss. It can cause users to lose the bounds

of their egos and to lose touch with reality. Source: National Drug

Intelligence Center

Warnings! Take Very Serious!

Works Cited http://io9.com/5887407/the-street-drug--love-boat-comes-

in-many-chemical-forms

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/formaldehyde-uses.html

http://www.formacare.org/index.php?page=history

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/August_Wilhelm_von_H

ofmann.aspx

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2131885/14-8m-

settlement-thousands-harmed-formaldehyde-trailers-lived-

Hurricane-Katrina-left-homeless.html

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/formaldehyde/index.html#standa

rds