Many have heard of a substance such as formalin. What is this chemical compound? It is often called formol. It is a formaldehyde solution (36.5-40%). As a stabilizer, it contains methyl alcohol (4-12%). This colorless clear liquid has a pungent odor. It can be mixed with alcohol and water in any ratio.
Formalin: what is it?
This substance is most often used as a disinfectant. Its solutions (0.5-1%) are used to wash the skin with heavy sweating (legs, in the armpits) and bromidrosis (pungent
sweat). Formalin effectively reduces the secretion of the glands of the epidermis, but it can not be used daily. In some cases, it is used for douching (at a concentration of 0.05%), washing crypts of tonsils (0.25%). This substance is part of the preparations "Lizoform", "Formidron", "Formalin ointment", "Teymurova paste."
Side effects when using this solution: irritation and overdrying of the skin, which disappears when smeared with a greasy cream or vegetable oil. Formalin, the use of which is contraindicated in inflammatory processes or irritation of the epidermis, can be used only after their elimination.
This solution is also used to disinfect medical instruments and patient items. Application in this case provides only 0.5% formalin. What is this drug? For medical use, only 10% solution in 100 ml glass vials is released. Formalin is stored in a well-closed container in a dark place at a temperature of at least 9 ° C. This substance is considered toxic to humans and animals.
The chemical composition of formalin
How is formalin obtained? The formula of this substance is CH
2 O.
Formaldehyde ( formic acid
aldehyde ), which is a colorless gas with a suffocating odor, turns into a clear liquid when cooled to -21 ° C. Its melting point is -92 ° C. When oxidized, it turns into formic acid. Formaldehyde is obtained by exposing air to methyl alcohol in the form of vapors in the presence of catalysts. Of these, silver proved to be particularly productive, although more affordable copper is used in industry. The resulting distillation accumulates water, resulting in formalin. It may contain impurities of acetone, acetic or formic acid. When formalin is evaporated in the residue, a dense mass of polymers insoluble in cold water is obtained.
Formalin Properties
This substance causes irreversible changes in protoplasmic proteins. At the same time, it necrotizes and mummifies tissues. When this solution acts on bacterial cells, their proteins are denatured. In 5% formol, spore fungi die in 0.5 hours. Under the influence of formalin, hemoglobin of the blood becomes methemoglobin (a product of oxidation by poisons). With prolonged storage in a cold room, this solution becomes cloudy. In this case, a whitish precipitate is formed - paraformaldehyde.
Use of formaldehyde solution
Formalin is used as a convenient source of formaldehyde used in the production of polyvinyl formal. It is also indispensable as an antiseptic for the disinfection of premises, tools, clothing, tanning of leather raw materials. It is used for embalming organic substances (organisms and organs). Formalin, the use of which for the preservation of anatomical preparations does not surprise anyone, is also used as a fungicide. Many plant growers etch seeds, tubers, root crops with this solution before planting and sowing.
Formalin, the quality of which is controlled by GOST 1625-89, is used in the manufacture of synthetic resins, surfactants, rubber, polyhydric alcohols and some other derivatives of methylene. A formaldehyde solution is also used in the textile industry. It is used to improve the consumer properties of fabric in terms of resistance to shrinkage and creasing. In the paper industry, formalin improves paper quality and strength.
Formalin Precautions
When buying this substance, do not forget about how formalin can be dangerous. What are these precautions? The guaranteed shelf life of this substance from the date of manufacture is 90 days. Formalin is sold in bottles, cans, barrels. The formaldehyde solution should be kept as far away from children as possible. When taking formalin inside, there is a burning sensation and pain in the esophagus and stomach. After this, vomiting with blood appears. Also, with formalin poisoning, coughing, sneezing, hyperthermia of the eye mucosa, shortness of breath occur. A person may experience cramps, dizziness, and panic attacks. In some cases, formalin poisoning ends in death, which occurs due to respiratory paralysis and asphyxiation. The lethal dose is 10-15 ml of a 35% solution. The smell of formalin in high concentrations can also cause an allergic reaction.