Table of Contents
What is Formaldehyde? ; Forms ; Synthesis ; Formaldehyde Solution Uses ; Niche Uses ;
Hazards
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. It is a common industrial chemical and is used in the production of plastics, resins, and other synthetic materials. It is also used as a preservative in some foods and drugs. Formaldehyde solutions are also used as disinfectants and sterilants. Some niche uses of formaldehyde include the production of photographic film and as a fuel additive.
Formaldehyde is a health hazard and can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. It can also cause allergic reactions and breathing problems. Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause cancer.
About Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, and other chemicals. It is also used as a preservative in mortuaries and medical laboratories. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen.
Occurrence of a rare event
The chance of a rare event occurring is usually very small. This means that it is not something that happens very often. For example, the chance of winning the lottery is very small. This is because there are a lot of people who play and the odds of any one person winning are very low.
Interstellar Formaldehyde
The interstellar formaldehyde (H2CO) molecule is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom. It is a simple molecule that is found in the interstellar medium and in cometary comas. It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure and is used as a tracer molecule to study the evolution of the interstellar medium.
Laboratory Synthesis of Pyrrolidin-2-one
To a stirred solution of 2-aminoacetophenone (2.0 g, 15 mmol) in ethanol (30 mL) was added potassium carbonate (3.0 g, 22 mmol) and the mixture was heated at reflux for 16 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and partitioned between EtOAc (200 mL) and water (200 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over MgSO4, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (SiO2, hexanes/EtOAc) to give the title compound (1.3 g, yield 60%) as a colorless oil.
Industrial Applications
Industrial applications include the use of enzymes in laundry detergents, as well as in the production of biofuels and bio-based plastics.
Disinfectant and Biocide
Disinfectants are chemical agents that are used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Biocides are chemical agents that are used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, as well as pests.
