Formaldehyde 40% (Technical Grade)

Formaldehyde 40%, sold as formalin, is a 37–40% solution of formaldehyde (CH2O, CAS 50-00-0) in water stabilised with 10–15% methanol to stop it polymerising into paraformaldehyde. Global Chemicals LLC supplies the technical grade in 30 L containers and 200 L drums from stock in Muscat for industrial disinfection, fumigation and preservation. It is not a food-contact product: it is used to disinfect empty facilities and equipment that are then aired and rinsed before use.

Where it is used. Poultry houses and hatcheries are fumigated with formaldehyde between flocks, classically by generating the gas from formalin and potassium permanganate or by heating formalin, in a sealed, empty building that is ventilated thoroughly before birds return; cold stores, warehouses, storage tanks and vehicles are disinfected the same way. Formaldehyde kills bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores, which is why it remains in use where other disinfectants cannot reach every surface. Outside disinfection it preserves textiles, leather and biological specimens, and it is the feedstock of urea-, phenol- and melamine-formaldehyde resins.

Health and regulation. Formaldehyde is classified by IARC as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and in the EU as a presumed carcinogen (Carc. 1B), suspected mutagen, skin sensitiser and skin-corrosive substance; it is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact, and the vapour irritates eyes and airways at very low concentrations. It must be handled only by trained staff, in well-ventilated areas or with full-face respiratory protection with formaldehyde cartridges, chemical goggles, nitrile or butyl gloves and coveralls. Fumigated buildings must be empty of people and animals and ventilated until the level falls below the workplace exposure limit before re-entry. Supply is to registered business accounts.

Storage: keep drums closed, upright, at 15–25 °C, out of sunlight and away from oxidisers, acids, alkalis and ammonia; at low temperatures (below about 5–10 °C for methanol-stabilised grades) paraformaldehyde precipitates as a white sediment, and the methanol makes the solution flammable (flash point about 50–64 °C closed cup depending on methanol content; use the value on the safety data sheet). Every delivery carries a certificate of analysis giving formaldehyde and methanol content, and a GHS safety data sheet.

Delivery is same day within Muscat and Rusayl Industrial Area, next day to Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, and by road across the GCC with a certificate of origin. Request a quote with the pack size, quantity and intended use.