It is a solution in water of the gas formaldehyde (CH2O).
A saturated solution contains about 40% by volume — or 37% by weight of the gas, plus a small amount of a stabilizer, usually 10-12% methanol; this prevents polymerization.
The liquid is used as an embalming fluid and for the preservation of animal specimens and tissue samples.
It is also used, generally in a much more dilute form, as a disinfectant, and anti-bacterial wash and in aquariums for treating parasite infections in fish.
An aqueous solution of formaldehyde can be useful as a disinfectant as it kills most bacteria and fungi (including their spores).
Formaldehyde solutions are applied topically in medicine to dry the skin, such as in the treatment of warts.
It is a solution in water of the gas formaldehyde (CH2O).
A saturated solution contains about 40% by volume — or 37% by weight of the gas, plus a small amount of a stabilizer, usually 10-12% methanol; this prevents polymerization.
The liquid is used as an embalming fluid and for the preservation of animal specimens and tissue samples.
It is also used, generally in a much more dilute form, as a disinfectant, and anti-bacterial wash and in aquariums for treating parasite infections in fish.
An aqueous solution of formaldehyde can be useful as a disinfectant as it kills most bacteria and fungi (including their spores).
Formaldehyde solutions are applied topically in medicine to dry the skin, such as in the treatment of warts.
