Paraformaldehyde is a thermoplastic solid that can be melted and cooled repeatedly. It can be used as a substitute for aqueous formaldehyde in making particleboard and plywood. It is synthesized from formaldehyde solutions and is also used as a fungicide and pesticide. However, it is hazardous to human health and care must be taken when handling it.
Paraformaldehyde is the solid form of liquid formaldehyde. Classified as a thermoplastic, this chemical compound exhibits the typical characteristics of similar polymers with long-chain polyoxymethylene glycols, namely the ability to turn into a liquid when exposed to heat and solidify upon cooling or be frozen into a hard glass-like material. In fact, this substance can be repeatedly melted and cooled and still retains these properties.
Since paraformaldehyde is basically a condensed form of formalin, or aqueous formaldehyde, it has the same characteristics. In fact, it can be substituted for aqueous formaldehyde to produce the resinous binding material needed to make particleboard and plywood when combined with melamine, phenol or other reactive agents. Plus, there are some benefits to doing so. For one thing, it produces a higher yield of raw product. On the other hand, its use reduces the need to remove water from the reactive agent before processing by up to 20 times.
Paraformaldehyde can be synthesized from formaldehyde solutions. In its natural state, formaldehyde is a water-soluble gas that forms methylene hydrate when hydrated. The methylene hydrate can then be polymerized, which produces paraformaldehyde as a white precipitate. However, the addition of methanol is required to stabilize the polymerization process.
This compound is also classified as an aldehyde, which means it contains a carbonyl group. In the case of this particular substance, the carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms. Aldehydes typically give off a strong odor, as evidenced by the distinct aroma of many familiar botanicals, such as cinnamon and vanilla. Aldehyde-based solutions are also known as biological fixatives capable of inhibiting cell degradation due to enzyme breakdown and bacterial replication. That’s why formaldehyde and its derivatives, including paraformaldehyde, are used to preserve tissue samples.
These properties also make this compound useful as a fungicide and pesticide. It is also used in the manufacture of fertilizers, fluorescent lights, and some chemicals used in photography and printing. It is also found in a wide variety of consumer goods, including vitamins, personal care products, and household cleaning products.
Like formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde is readily absorbed through the respiratory system, but is rapidly metabolized to form and excreted through the lungs or kidneys. However, while this substance degrades rapidly in the environment and does not accumulate in the environment or in wildlife, there is evidence that it is hazardous to human health. Studies have shown that repeated exposure, even in small amounts, can produce nasal squamous cell carcinomas. It is also corrosive to skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, care must be taken when handling this substance.
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