Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is an aldehyde resulting from the formal oxidation of methanol. It has a role as a disinfectant, a carcinogenic agent, an allergen, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, an EC 3.5.1.4 (amidase) inhibitor and an environmental contaminant. It is an aldehyde and a one-carbon compound.
IUPAC: formaldehyde
PubChem
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | -134 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Boiling Point | -6 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Density | 0.815 at -4 °F anhydrous form (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | Miscible (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Flash Point | 140 °F for 40% solution (EPA, 1998) |
| Vapor Pressure | greater than 1 atm (NIOSH, 2024) |
| pH | pH: 2.8 to 4.0 /Formaldehyde soln/ |
| Appearance | Solids containing varying amounts of formaldehyde, probably as paraformaldehyde (polymers of formula HO(CH2O)xH where x averages about 30). A hazard to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. |
Data: PubChem · Last updated: 4/20/2026
GHS Classification
Pictograms
Flame
Flammable gases, aerosols, liquids, solids
GHS02
Corrosion
Corrosive to metals, skin, eyes
GHS05
Skull & Crossbones
Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)
GHS06
Health Hazard
Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, organ toxicity
GHS08
Hazard Statements
Precautionary Statements
Hazard Classes
ECHA Classification & Labelling Inventory · Last updated: 4/20/2026
Regulatory Compliance
Listed
note: Status based on EPA TSCA Active Inventory · inventory name: TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory
View sourceGlobal Trade Intelligence
No trade flow data available for this chemical.
HS Code(s): 2912
Data: UN Comtrade
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