formaldehyde - Sciencemadness Dot Org

USES OF FORMALDEHYDE 327
Other methods for generating gaseous formaldehyde involve addition of
the aqueous solution to a chemical agent with which it will react exothermically,
evolving sufficient heat to vaporise the major portion of the solution
involved. Agents used for this purpose include: potassium permanganate
9 , sodium dichromate", bleaching powder 7 , potassium or sodium
chlorate 14 , caustic soda, etc. Another procedure of this general Type is
carried out by adding water to a mixture of paraformaldehyde and a metallic
peroxide 4 . Following a critical study of the utility of the above-mentioned
chemical agents in fumigation with formaldehyde solution, Horn
and Osol 5 * concluded that the best results were obtained with bleaching
powder,
A typical procedure for fumigation of 1000 to 1500 cu ft of space involves
addition of 1 pound of TLS.P. formaldehyde to -i to 8 ounces of solid potassium
permanganate in a large porcelain dish. The room must be thoroughly
sealed and the fumigator must make a rapid exit after adding the
formaldehyde to the permanganate,
If fumigation is carried out by vaporizing commercial formaldehyde with
applied heat> approximately 5 ounces is sufficient for fumigating 1000 cu ft.
After fumigation the room should be thoroughly ventilated. Lingering
odors of formaldehyde are readily dispelled by sprinkling with ammonia,
which converts it to the odorless hexamethylenetetramine.
References
1. Christian, M.T "Disinfectioa and Disinfectants/* pages 74-104, London, Scatt, Greenwood & Son, 1913.
2. Dsrge, H.t Gasmaste, 12, 82-5 (I94a).
3. Dorset* M., IT. S. Dept. Agr„ Farmers' Bull, *26 (101S); C A., 12,1326.
4. Farbenfabrifcen varm. Friedr. Bayer & Co., German Patent 117,053 (1906).
5. Ganganella, R., Chimie et in&wstrie, 43.147 (1039): C A., 3*» 4233.
6. GeKnsty, E,t Z&tfr. BaU.,Paraaintenk., I Abt., Orig. 146,27-4S (1S4Q); C. A., 35,376S.
Sa. Horn, D. W. and Owl, A., Am. J. Pharm., 1M. 741-77S (1929).
7. Elice, E. K., Am. J. Pv&lic Hxdth, 9,859-65 (2019); C- A., 14,441.
S. Loew, O., and Fischer, E., J, prakt. Clem., 33, 321 (1SSS).
9. McClintic, T. B-, Hyg. Lab. Pub. Health and Marine Hospital Service, Bull. 27, (1907); C, A., I, UU,
10. McCulIough, E. C-, "Disinfection and Sterilisation/' p. 38S-78, Philadelphia, Lea & Febiger, 1936.
11. Mensel, "Der Formaldehyde ron Vanino," p. 34S, Vienna and Leipzig, Hartfeben's Verlag, 1927.
IS. Xordgren, G., Ada Path. Microbiol. Scant. Supply 4fl, 1-165 (1939); C. -1., 33, 63S2.
13. O'EIaherty, F., Shoeand Leather Reporter, 226, No.3 {April IS, 1943\
H. Resaler,T.,tr.S.PatentlJ4GS,535(1922}.
15. Robinson, W. J., Lcb. Clin. Hed., 20,77 (1934),
16. Schnegg, H., Z. f, d. gtaanite, BrauiMsen, 28, S07,S20 (1905).
17. ScattT J.?. t J. Infect. Dis.,4iT 90 (1923).
IS. Szigethy, I., Hungarian Patent I26.9S3 (19*1); C. A., 35, 7662.
19. Thoni, J.> Af#. Ldbensm. Hyg., 4, 315-49; C. £., S, 770,
50. Tiiley, F. W., and Schaffer, J.M-, J"-Boderirf., 16,379 (193S).
21, White, A. R„ (to Deodor-X Co.), XT. S. Patent 3,077,050 (1837).
Dyes and Dyehouse Chemicals
Formaldehyde is employed in the synthesis of dyes, stripping agents,
and various specialty chemicals used in the dye industry.
The use of formaldehyde as a synthetic agentforthe production of coal-tar