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[Chemical Knowledge]:The difference between formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde

Formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde are two common chemicals, which are widely used in daily life and industrial production. Although they have similarities in naming, there are some obvious differences in structure, properties and uses.

formaldehyde is a simple organic compound with the chemical formula CH2O. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. In nature, formaldehyde exists in many biological processes, and is widely used in home decoration, furniture manufacturing, textile processing and other fields. Formaldehyde is mainly used in the manufacture of glues, plastics, dyes, paints, etc., and plays a role in adhesion, curing and corrosion protection in these applications.

paraformaldehyde, also known as polyoxymethylene, is a polymer obtained from formaldehyde by polymerization. Its chemical structure contains a large number of formaldehyde groups, so it has some characteristics of formaldehyde. Compared with formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde has a higher molecular weight and more excellent physical properties. Paraformaldehyde is usually solid or resin-like, with strong toughness and heat resistance, widely used in the manufacture of engineering plastics, molds, electronic components and other fields. Its high strength and excellent insulation properties make paraformaldehyde an important manufacturing material.

In addition, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde also have some differences in toxicity. Formaldehyde is a strong irritating gas, which has a stimulating effect on the respiratory tract of humans and animals, and has been identified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. For formaldehyde exposure, people should be vigilant and take corresponding protective measures. As a solid material, paraformaldehyde is relatively stable and generally has no obvious toxicity to the human body, but long-term exposure may bring potential risks to health.

To sum up, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde have obvious differences in structure, properties and uses. Formaldehyde as a simple organic compound, mainly used in adhesives, paints and other fields; and paraformaldehyde as a polymer is widely used in manufacturing materials, engineering plastics and other fields. During use, attention should be paid to the irritation and potential toxicity of formaldehyde, and corresponding safety measures should be taken. For paraformaldehyde, it should also be used with caution to avoid the potential risk of prolonged exposure.

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