Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0) is an aldehyde compound commercially available as formalin, formol, or under trade designations including BFV and Fyde. It is supplied primarily as an aqueous solution at 37% w/w concentration. No E-code designation applies to this substance.

In water treatment and industrial preservation, formaldehyde acts as a broad-spectrum biocide by cross-linking proteins and nucleic acids in microbial cells, disrupting cellular function at low concentrations. In resin and polymer manufacturing, it serves as a reactive monomer, forming covalent bonds with urea, phenol, or melamine to build thermoset polymer networks.

Formaldehyde is available in technical and industrial grades as stabilised aqueous solution, typically inhibited with 6-12% methanol to suppress polymerisation. Supply is subject to REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and CLP classification requirements. Buyers should confirm grade specification and SDS documentation prior to procurement, as end-use restrictions apply in several sectors.