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What is the difference between formaldehyde and formaline?

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We have occasionally encountered some confusion about the difference between formaldehyde and formalin. This is an understandable problem, since the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. It is incorrect to use the two words this way. read more

• Formaldehyde is a basic chemical compound whereas formalin is a formulation of formaldehyde in aqueous solution. • Formaldehyde is a gas at room temperature, but formalin is in liquid form. • Formaldehyde is an aldehyde whereas, in formalin, formaldehyde is hydrated into an alcohol compound. read more

However, formalin is a liquid, which is prepared by mixing formaldehyde gas and water. This is the main difference between formalin and formaldehyde. Generally, a saturated solution of formalin contains about 40% (by volume) or 37% (by weight) of formaldehyde gas and a stabilizer to prevent formaldehyde polymerization. read more

Paraformaldehyde is a polymer of formaldehyde. Paraformaldehyde itself is not a fixing agent, and needs to be broken down into its basic building block formaldehyde. This can be done by heating or basic conditions until it becomes solubilized. Once that occurs, essentially they are exactly the same. read more

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