Paraformaldehyde

Paraformaldehyde is a polymer derived from formaldehyde. It is a white crystalline solid with a strong odor of formaldehyde due to its depolymerization to formaldehyde gas. Paraformaldehyde is often used in biology and medicine for the fixation of cells and tissue samples.

Chemical Structure

Paraformaldehyde is a polymerization product of formaldehyde. It is a poly-acetal, meaning it is formed by the reaction of formaldehyde with itself. The degree of polymerization is typically between 8 and 100 units. The chemical structure of paraformaldehyde can be represented as (-CH2O-)n, where n represents the degree of polymerization.

Uses

Paraformaldehyde is widely used in various fields due to its unique properties. In biology and medicine, it is commonly used as a fixative and disinfectant. It is also used in the production of resins, plastics, and textiles. In addition, paraformaldehyde is used in the preparation of vaccines and other pharmaceutical products.

Fixative

In biology and medicine, paraformaldehyde is often used as a fixative for tissue samples. It works by cross-linking the proteins in the tissue, which helps to preserve the structure and prevent degradation. This is particularly useful for histology, where tissue samples are examined under a microscope.

Disinfectant

Paraformaldehyde is also used as a disinfectant due to its ability to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. It is often used in hospitals and laboratories to sterilize equipment and surfaces.

Safety

Paraformaldehyde is a toxic substance and should be handled with care. Inhalation or ingestion can cause serious health problems, including respiratory distress and damage to the digestive system. It is also a potential carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer.

See Also

• Formaldehyde
• Polymer
• Fixation (biology)
• Histology