Formaldehyde (or methanal) reacts with hydrochloric acid to form methane. The mechanism, however, is complex and not fully agreed on by all scientists. —Yuhan Zhang (Proud A-level chemistry student). read more
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Typically, a rapid stream of HCl is passed through the formaldehyde-substrate mixture in a suitable medium until no more gas is absorbed. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: many chloromethylated compounds are lachrymatory. Chloromethyl ethers are carcinogenic. The reagents should be handled in a well-ventilated fume hood. read more
Blanc Reaction. This reaction, which is comparable to a Friedel-Crafts Alkylation, is useful for the preparation of chloromethylated arenes (for example, the Merrifield resin based on polystyrene) from the parent arene with formaldehyde, HCl, and ZnCl 2. read more