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

Chemical Composition

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 tons. Commercial solutions of formaldehyde in water, commonly called formol, were formerly used as disinfectants and for preservation of biological specimens.

Formaldehyde & Body PreservationModern 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 Citedhttp

://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_Hofmann.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#standards