Formaldehyde CAS 50-00-0
Chelora Chemicals supplies aqueous formaldehyde solution, commonly 37% and 50%, to resin, adhesive, moulding and chemical producers worldwide. Because formaldehyde solution precipitates paraformaldehyde when cold, every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA covering strength, methanol content, acidity and iron, the current SDS and full dangerous-goods documentation.
Also known as: Formalin · Methanal · Methyl aldehyde · Formic aldehyde · Oxomethane
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for Formaldehyde, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (strength, methanol, acidity, iron)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Transport and dangerous-goods documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde, CH₂O, a gas at ambient temperature that is almost always traded as an aqueous solution. Commercial formalin is typically 37% or 50% formaldehyde by weight, stabilised with methanol.
In water, formaldehyde exists mainly as methylene glycol and short oligomers rather than as free aldehyde. Those oligomers precipitate as paraformaldehyde if the solution cools, which is why formalin is stored warm and why methanol is added as a stabiliser.
It is overwhelmingly a resin feedstock. Urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde resins for wood panels and moulding compounds take most of global production, with MDI, pentaerythritol and POM behind them.
Formaldehyde is classified as a Category 1B carcinogen in the EU, which governs exposure control, labelling and, increasingly, product emission limits for the panels made from it.
Why Formaldehyde specifically
- Highly reactive carbonyl. Reacts readily with amines, phenols and amides to build thermosetting resin networks.
- A crosslinker. Two reactive sites per molecule allow it to bridge polymer chains into a cured network.
- Cheap C1 chemistry. Made in one step from methanol, which keeps resin economics viable at huge volume.
- Water-soluble delivery. Supplied as a stable solution rather than a gas, making industrial handling practical.
How Formaldehyde is Manufactured
Formaldehyde is made by oxidising methanol over a silver or metal oxide catalyst, then absorbing the product in water.
- Methanol feed. Grade AA methanol is vaporised and mixed with air, with sulphur and chloride controlled because they poison the catalyst.
- Silver catalyst route. Methanol-rich feed passes over a silver gauze at about 650 °C, combining oxidation and dehydrogenation.
- Metal oxide route. The Formox process uses an iron-molybdenum oxide catalyst at about 300 °C with methanol-lean feed and gives lower methanol in the product.
- Absorption. Reactor gas is absorbed counter-currently in water to produce formalin at the required strength.
- Stabilisation. Methanol is added, typically 0.5 to 12% depending on strength and storage temperature, to suppress paraformaldehyde precipitation.
- Ion exchange finishing. Acidity and metals are controlled, since formic acid builds up slowly on storage.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of a commercial 37% stabilised formaldehyde solution. Tell us your strength, methanol tolerance and storage temperature and we will advise on the grade.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid, pungent odour, free of suspended matter |
| Formaldehyde content | 37.0% min by weight (50% grades also supplied) |
| Methanol content | To grade, typically 0.5 – 12% |
| Acidity (as formic acid) | To grade, typically 0.03% max |
| Iron | To grade, typically 1 ppm max |
| Residue on ignition | To grade, typically 0.01% max |
| Colour (APHA) | 10 max |
| Specific gravity at 20 °C | About 1.08 to 1.11 depending on strength |
| pH | Typically 2.5 to 4.0 |
| Suspended matter | Free of paraformaldehyde at the storage temperature |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | CH₂O (as solution, largely methylene glycol) |
| Molecular weight | 30.03 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colourless solution with a sharp pungent odour |
| Boiling point | About 97 to 101 °C for 37% solution |
| Melting point | About −15 °C for 37% solution |
| Flash point | About 55 to 85 °C depending on methanol content |
| Density | About 1.09 g/cm³ at 20 °C for 37% solution |
| Vapour pressure | About 2 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in water | Completely miscible |
| pH | Typically 2.5 to 4.0 |
| Odour threshold | Well below 1 ppm — detectable long before the exposure limit |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers, alkalis, amines, acids, phenols, isocyanates |
Behaviour in the process
Formaldehyde solution is chemically active even in storage, and that drives how it is kept:
- Paraformaldehyde precipitation. Cooling below the grade's minimum temperature produces a white solid that blocks lines and filters.
- Formic acid formation. Slow oxidation raises acidity over time, which accelerates polymerisation and corrodes equipment.
- Methanol as stabiliser. Higher methanol allows cooler storage; low-methanol grades need more heat but perform better in resins.
- Strong reactivity with amines. Reacts vigorously with ammonia, amines and alkalis; segregation is essential.
Formaldehyde Grades and Alternatives
Formaldehyde is bought by strength and methanol content, and those two together define both performance and storage requirements.
| Material | Origin / type | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| 37% stabilised formalin | 0.5 to 12% methanol | General resin, adhesive and chemical use; the commercial default |
| 50% formaldehyde solution | Lower water content, needs warmer storage | Resin producers minimising water removal and freight |
| Low-methanol formalin | Under 1% methanol | Resin quality critical applications, requires heated storage |
| Paraformaldehyde | Solid polymer, CAS 30525-89-4 | Where a dry source is needed or transport of solution is impractical |
| Urea-formaldehyde concentrate | UFC 85, pre-reacted | Resin plants wanting lower freight and simpler storage |
Stated plainly: where freight distance or storage heating is a problem, paraformaldehyde or UFC concentrate often beats shipping a solution that is two-thirds water. Where the plant is close to a formaldehyde unit, the solution is nearly always cheaper.
Industries We Supply Formaldehyde To
Wood panels and moulding compounds dominate, but formaldehyde reaches a surprisingly wide range of chemistry.
Where Formaldehyde is Used
Amino and phenolic resins for wood panels take the largest share, followed by MDI, polyols and POM.
In wood panel resins
Formaldehyde is reacted with urea, phenol or melamine to form methylol intermediates, which are then condensed into a thermosetting network during hot pressing. The formaldehyde to urea molar ratio directly controls both the bond strength and the free formaldehyde emission of the finished panel, which is now tightly regulated in most markets.
Storage and heating
A 37% solution with low methanol will precipitate paraformaldehyde below about 30 °C, while a 12% methanol grade stays clear near ambient. Resin producers typically run heated, circulated, stainless steel storage with the temperature tied to the grade, because once paraformaldehyde forms it is slow and messy to redissolve.
Need a specific grade, purity and packing format?
Tell us the grade, the strength, the methanol content and your storage temperature, the packing format you can receive and the annual quantity. We will come back with a price, a lead time, a sample COA and the full documentation set.
Quality Control & Testing
Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with methanol and acidity reported alongside strength because both affect stability and resin performance.
- Formaldehyde content — by sodium sulphite titration, the primary grade measure.
- Methanol content — by gas chromatography, confirming the stabiliser level for your storage temperature.
- Acidity as formic acid — measured because it rises on storage and drives corrosion.
- Iron content — reported because iron catalyses degradation and discolours resins.
- Colour and clarity — confirming freedom from paraformaldehyde and contamination.
- Residue on ignition — measuring non-volatile contamination.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
When formaldehyde causes trouble, it is usually temperature, acidity or iron. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| White solid in tanks, lines or filters | Paraformaldehyde precipitation from cold storage | Storage temperature against the methanol content of the grade |
| Acidity rising in storage | Slow oxidation to formic acid, accelerated by iron and air | Acidity trend, tank blanketing and material of construction |
| Resin colour darker than usual | Iron contamination from carbon steel equipment | Iron figure on the COA and tank or line material |
| Resin cure speed changed | Methanol content different from the previous grade | Methanol figure against the previous COA |
| Corrosion in storage or lines | Formic acid build-up in carbon steel equipment | Acidity result and material of construction |
| Free formaldehyde high in finished panel | Resin molar ratio or cure conditions | Formaldehyde strength and your resin formulation |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. 200 L lined drums, 1000 L IBCs, ISO tank containers and road tankers.
- Temperature control. Hold above the grade's minimum temperature — typically 30 to 35 °C for low-methanol 37% and higher for 50% grades — to prevent paraformaldehyde.
- Material compatibility. Stainless steel 304 or 316, or lined vessels. Carbon steel causes iron pick-up and discolours resins.
- Circulation. Keep storage circulating where possible; stagnant cold spots are where paraformaldehyde starts.
- Ventilation. Vapour is a strong irritant and a carcinogen; vent through a scrubber and monitor the work area.
- Segregation. Keep well apart from ammonia, amines, alkalis, acids and oxidisers — all react vigorously.
- Shelf life. Typically three to six months at the correct temperature. Acidity and clarity are the practical checks.
- Transport classification. UN 2209 for solutions at or above 25% formaldehyde, Class 8; UN 1198 where flammable due to methanol content. Confirm per grade.
Hazards & Safe Handling
Formaldehyde is a classified carcinogen, a strong irritant and a skin sensitiser. Vapour exposure control is the central issue, and the odour is detectable well below the exposure limit, which gives useful warning.
- Carcinogenicity. Classified Category 1B carcinogen in the EU and known to be a human carcinogen by IARC, linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia.
- Occupational exposure. Limits are low, commonly 0.3 to 0.75 ppm as an 8-hour average with a short-term ceiling. Confirm the limit in your jurisdiction.
- Irritation. Strongly irritating to eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract at concentrations well below harmful levels.
- Skin sensitisation. A well-established skin sensitiser; repeated contact causes allergic dermatitis.
- Corrosivity. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage at commercial strengths.
- Reactivity. Reacts violently with ammonia, amines, alkalis and oxidisers. Segregate strictly.
- PPE. Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or face shield, and respiratory protection for any breach of containment.
- Environment. Toxic to aquatic life; prevent entry to drains and watercourses.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
Formaldehyde is heavily regulated both as a workplace carcinogen and through emission limits on the products made from it. The notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Carcinogenicity Category 1B, germ cell mutagenicity Category 2, acute toxicity Category 3, skin corrosion Category 1B and skin sensitisation Category 1.
- Occupational exposure regulation. Specific formaldehyde standards with low exposure limits, monitoring and medical surveillance apply in most jurisdictions.
- Product emission limits. Wood panel formaldehyde emissions are regulated by CARB Phase 2, TSCA Title VI, E1 and similar standards, which drives resin formulation.
- Dangerous goods transport. UN 2209 Class 8 for aqueous solutions at or above 25%, or UN 1198 Class 3 where methanol makes the solution flammable.
- REACH and inventories. Registered under EU REACH with harmonised classification and restrictions on articles releasing formaldehyde.
- Quality agreements. Resin producers commonly expect documented strength, methanol, acidity and iron limits with change control.
We Supply Formaldehyde Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship Formaldehyde from India and from partner sources to customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America, handling the export documentation, transport paperwork and freight so the material arrives ready to use.
- Incoterms. EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR and DAP quoted to suit your purchasing terms and freight arrangements.
- Ports. Regular shipments through Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with other ports arranged where routing and cargo rules allow.
- Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, COA, SDS and the transport declaration issued as a complete set.
- Flexible volumes. From a pallet of lined drums up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.
- Supply continuity. Because we are independent of any one producer, a plant turnaround or a shipping disruption at one source does not have to become your stock-out.
Buying Formaldehyde from Chelora
We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For formaldehyde that means settling three things at enquiry: the strength and methanol content matched to your storage temperature, the stainless or lined equipment the material needs, and the transit time, because this is a regional product rather than a global one.
- Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA (strength, methanol, acidity, iron), plus SDS and the full transport paperwork.
- Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
- Quantities. From a pallet of lined drums through to full bulk shipments on contract supply.
- Grade matching. 37% or 50% solution at the methanol content your storage temperature can support, with the acidity and iron limits your resin needs.
- Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
- Related products. Methanol, Urea, Phenol and other feedstocks alongside Formaldehyde from one supplier.
How ordering works
- Send the enquiry. Product, grade or purity, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on. If you have a spec sheet, attach it — it saves a round trip.
- We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
- Qualify the supply. For first orders or critical applications, we share the analysis and handling documentation so your technical and safety teams can sign off before you commit.
- Confirm the order. Proforma invoice issued; payment terms agreed against the volume and the relationship.
- Allocation and QC. Material allocated and released against a batch-specific COA, with an independent inspection where the contract calls for it.
- Ship and document. Filled, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.
Formaldehyde — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about Formaldehyde. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of formaldehyde?
The CAS number for formaldehyde is 50-00-0, and its EC number is 200-001-8. Its molecular formula is CH₂O with a molecular weight of 30.03 g/mol, and it is classified under HS code 2912.11.
What is formaldehyde used for?
Mainly for urea-, phenol- and melamine-formaldehyde resins used in wood panels, laminates and moulding compounds. It also feeds MDI, pentaerythritol, polyoxymethylene, textile finishes and paper wet-strength resins.
Do you supply formaldehyde worldwide?
Yes, subject to transit time. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports formaldehyde solution across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and other regions, as well as throughout India. Because formalin needs heated storage and is mostly water, we will advise honestly on whether solution, paraformaldehyde or UFC suits your location best.
What strength is commercial formaldehyde?
Usually 37% or 50% formaldehyde by weight in water, stabilised with methanol. The 37% grade is the commercial default; 50% reduces freight and water load but needs warmer storage.
Why does formalin contain methanol?
Methanol suppresses the precipitation of paraformaldehyde, the solid oligomer that forms when the solution cools. More methanol allows cooler storage; less methanol gives better resin performance but needs more heat.
How is formaldehyde manufactured?
By catalytic oxidation of methanol, either over silver gauze at around 650 °C or over an iron-molybdenum oxide catalyst at around 300 °C in the Formox process, with the product absorbed in water to make formalin.
Is formaldehyde hazardous?
Yes. It is classified as a Category 1B carcinogen, is acutely toxic, corrosive to skin and eyes, and a skin sensitiser. Exposure control and ventilation are mandatory, and the vapour is detectable by smell well below the exposure limit.
What are the UN number and transport class?
UN 2209, formaldehyde solution, Class 8 corrosive for solutions of 25% or more. Where the methanol content makes the solution flammable it ships as UN 1198, Class 3. The grade determines which applies.
How should formaldehyde solution be stored?
In heated, circulated stainless steel or lined tanks above the grade's minimum temperature, vented through a scrubber, well away from ammonia, amines, alkalis and oxidisers.
What happens if formalin gets cold?
Paraformaldehyde precipitates as a white solid that blocks lines, pumps and filters. It can be redissolved with heat and time, but prevention through correct storage temperature is far easier than recovery.
What is the typical shelf life?
Three to six months at the correct storage temperature. Acidity rises slowly as formic acid forms, and clarity is the practical check for paraformaldehyde.
Can I use paraformaldehyde instead?
Often yes. Paraformaldehyde is the solid polymer that depolymerises back to formaldehyde on heating, and it avoids both the freight cost of shipping water and the heated storage requirement. It is a common choice for distant or small-volume users.
Ready to source Formaldehyde?
Send us your specification, grade and annual volume. You will get a price, a realistic lead time and a sample COA from someone who understands what the material has to do in your process — delivered anywhere in the world.