Formaldehyde
Chelora Chemicals supplies Formaldehyde (HCHO, CAS 50-00-0) as an aqueous solution (formalin), the fundamental building block for urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde resin systems used across wood adhesives, mouldings and laminates, as well as a precursor for polyol and textile-finishing chemistry. Export shipments move from Indonesia in stabilised, methanol-inhibited formulations suited to long-distance transit.
What Formaldehyde is, and why buyers source it
Formaldehyde's small, highly reactive carbonyl structure makes it one of the most versatile industrial building blocks, condensing readily with urea, phenol, melamine and other nucleophiles to build the thermosetting resin networks behind modern wood-based panel and laminate manufacturing.
Formaldehyde reacts with Urea, Phenol or Melamine to form methylol intermediates that further condense into cross-linked thermosetting resins, each resin system selected for its balance of cost, water resistance, and cure characteristics.
Because formaldehyde readily polymerises to paraformaldehyde in concentrated aqueous solution, commercial formalin is supplied with a methanol stabiliser and at controlled concentration and temperature to maintain solution stability during storage and transit.
How Formaldehyde is made
An overview of the production route for orientation purposes. Our manufacturing partners' own process parameters and in-process controls are proprietary and are not disclosed beyond what is needed to interpret the certificate of analysis.
Formaldehyde is manufactured by the catalytic oxidation of Methanol, using either a silver catalyst process or a metal-oxide (mixed iron-molybdenum oxide) catalyst process, followed by absorption into water to produce the aqueous formalin solution.
Oxidation temperature and catalyst condition are controlled to maximise conversion and minimise over-oxidation to formic acid and CO2, with absorber conditions set to achieve the target solution concentration and methanol stabiliser level.
Industries and processes that use it
Formaldehyde's applications centre on resin manufacturing for wood-based panels and laminates, along with broader industrial and textile uses.
Urea-Formaldehyde Resins
Reacted with Urea to produce adhesive resins for particleboard, MDF and plywood manufacturing.
Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins
Reacted with Phenol to produce resins used in plywood adhesives, moulding compounds and laminates requiring higher water resistance.
Melamine-Formaldehyde Resins
Reacted with melamine to produce high-hardness, scratch-resistant laminate and tableware resins.
Textile & Other Industrial Uses
Used in textile finishing for crease-resistance treatments and as a chemical intermediate across a range of industrial syntheses.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
Formaldehyde's reactive carbonyl group readily forms methylol intermediates with amide and phenolic nucleophiles, which further condense into cross-linked polymer networks.
Methylol Formation
Formaldehyde reacts with Urea, Phenol or Melamine to form methylol intermediates.
Condensation
Methylol intermediates condense further, releasing water and building oligomeric chains.
Cross-Linking / Cure
Oligomers cross-link under heat and/or catalyst to form the final cured thermosetting resin network.
Formaldehyde against other amines we supply
Formaldehyde is a core organic intermediate referenced across Chelora's resin-adjacent and nitrogen chemicals ranges.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | 50-00-0 | Basic organic intermediate | The product on this page — the fundamental building block for urea, phenol and melamine resins. |
| Urea | 57-13-6 | Solid nitrogen fertiliser | The primary co-reactant for urea-formaldehyde resins — see its product page. |
| Acetic Acid | 64-19-7 | Basic organic intermediate | A related basic organic intermediate in our range — see its product page. |
| Ammonia | 7664-41-7 | Primary nitrogen feedstock | The nitrogen feedstock used alongside formaldehyde in resin-adjacent chemistry — see its product page. |
Exact physical constants and purity specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide, not a specification sheet, for products other than Formaldehyde.
Safety classification at a glance
Based on GHS classification as commonly listed for this substance. This is a summary for orientation only — always work from the current safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch.
Toxic if swallowed.
Toxic in contact with skin.
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
May cause an allergic skin reaction.
Toxic if inhaled.
Suspected of causing genetic defects.
Vapour-rated respirator required.
Chemical-resistant gloves and clothing, full PPE.
Formaldehyde solution is a toxic, corrosive and sensitising material requiring full PPE, vapour-rated respiratory protection, and closed-system handling wherever practical. Chelora Chemicals ships Formaldehyde in stabilised, methanol-inhibited formulation with full safety documentation, and supply is directed to buyers with appropriate industrial handling and ventilation infrastructure.
Keeping it on spec between delivery and use
General storage guidance for this grade. Site-specific storage rules, segregation requirements and re-test intervals should follow your own EHS procedures and the MSDS issued with your batch.
Store above the recommended minimum temperature for the supplied concentration to prevent paraformaldehyde precipitation, in corrosion-resistant containers away from oxidising agents and strong alkalis. Rotate stock to use within shelf life given limited long-term storage stability.
How it ships from Indonesia
Standard packing and export terms for this product. Confirm exact figures against your order — they vary slightly by destination and quantity.
What travels with every batch
Specification is agreed before the purchase order, not discovered on arrival. Every shipment of Formaldehyde leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay (by titration/GC), colour and relevant physical constants, issued against the agreed specification so your QC team can check it, not just file it.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS-format SDS in English covering hazard classification, handling, storage, first-aid and spill response for the exact grade of Formaldehyde shipped.
Technical Data Sheet
Reference physical and chemical properties, recommended storage and typical applications, for internal circulation to your process or R&D teams.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms Indonesian origin for customs clearance and any preferential-duty claim at your destination port.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
UN packing group, classification and shipper's declaration prepared ahead of loading so documentation never holds up customs.
Third-Party Inspection
Independent pre-shipment inspection and re-sampling can be arranged on request, at your cost, for buyers who require it as a matter of policy.
Frequently asked questions
What buyers most often ask our sales desk about this grade.
01What is Formaldehyde used for?+
02What concentrations does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
03Why is Formaldehyde solution stabilised with methanol?+
04Is Formaldehyde hazardous to handle?+
05How is Formaldehyde packed for export?+
06What is the shelf life of Formaldehyde solution?+
07What is the typical lead time for export orders?+
08Does Chelora Chemicals provide a Certificate of Analysis?+
09What is the difference between Formaldehyde and Paraformaldehyde?+
10Can Formaldehyde solution be diluted further by the buyer?+
Need Formaldehyde on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.