noun
- A colorless, pungent gas (HCHO) used in manufacturing resins, plastics, and disinfectants; also known as formaldehyde.
Usage: chemistry term; also called formaldehyde in common usage
Examples
- Methanal is widely used in the production of plywood and particle board.
- The laboratory stored methanal in sealed containers to prevent vapor release.
- Methanal solutions are used to preserve biological specimens.
- Industrial workers must wear protective equipment when handling methanal.
- The chemical formula for methanal is CH₂O.