Paraformaldehyde, a polymer of formaldehyde, is used as a source of formaldehyde in various applications, including as a disinfectant, fixative in biological research, and in the production of resins and other chemicals.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of its uses:

Biological and Biomedical Research:

  • Fixing Cells and Tissues: Paraformaldehyde is used to fix cells and tissues, preserving their structure and morphology for microscopic examination.
  • Crosslinking Proteins and Nucleic Acids: It crosslinks proteins and nucleic acids, preventing the loss of small DNA fragments and maintaining tissue ultrastructure.
  • Improving Antigenicity: Paraformaldehyde can improve antigenicity, making it easier to detect specific proteins or molecules in tissues.
  • Preserving Glycogen: It can also help preserve glycogen, a storage form of glucose, in tissues. 
  • Industrial Applications: Production of Resins: Paraformaldehyde is a key ingredient in the production of various resins, including phenolic, urea, and melamine resins. 
  • Wood Industry: These resins are used as glues for particle board, plywood, and furniture. 
  • Other Resins: Paraformaldehyde is used in the production of resins for coatings, paints, inks, and other applications. 
  • Disinfectant and Fungicide: Paraformaldehyde can be used as a disinfectant and fungicide in various industries, including crude oil production and warehousing. 
  • Bactericide: It can also be used as a bactericide in industries like beet sugar refining. 
  • Petrochemical Industry: It is used in solutions for the petrochemical industry. 
  • Phytosanitary Products: It is used in the manufacture of phytosanitary products. 
  • Polyurethanes: It is used in the manufacture of polyurethanes. 
  • Sanitary Materials: It is used in the manufacture of sanitary materials. 
  • Hardening Agent and Waterproofing Agent: Paraformaldehyde can act as a hardening agent and waterproofing agent. 
  • Adhesives: It is used in the preparation of adhesives. 
  • Thermoplastic: Longer chain-length polyoxymethylenes (derived from paraformaldehyde) are used as a thermoplastic (POM, Delrin). 
  • Inks: Paraformaldehyde is used in the production of inks for various applications, including dollar bills, books, and other printing materials.