Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is the simplest of the aldehydes and the most important commercially.

Formaldehyde is primarily used for formaldehyde resins, butanediol, polyacetal resins, and methylene-bis-(4-phenyl isocyanate) (MDI). The market is growing approximately 3% per year. Formaldehyde is made from the oxidation of methanol through a silver or mixed oxide catalyst.

The reaction is exothermic. Formic acid is a by-product and is removed with a weak base anion exchange resin such as Amberlyst™ A24.

 

 

CH3OH		HCHO + H2
Methanol		Formaldehyde

 

 

 

Typical Operating Conditions     Influent Composition Formol = 30 - 50% Formic acid = 0.02 - 1 % Influent Temperature 50 - 80 °C Flow Rate 2 - 5 BV/h Operating Capacity 50 g HCOOH/L Regenerant Type 4% NaOH Regenerant Mode Co-Flow Regenerant Level 60 - 80 g/L Bed Depth 800 - 1400 mm     Recommended Products   Amberlyst™ A21     MR styrenic weak base anion. Hhigh operating capacity and low regenerant consumption. Excellent physical and chemical stability. Good adsorption and desorption of organics.   For more information on our ion exchange resins, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions page.   For pricing, availability or more information please contact your Rohm and Haas representative.