P-Formaldehyde

Paraformaldehyde is a white, crystalline solid with a characteristic pungent odor. It is primarily used as a convenient source of formaldehyde for chemical reactions where the presence of water (found in liquid formalin) must be minimized. In industrial processes, it is depolymerized by heating to release active formaldehyde gas or by dissolving it in water or alcohol with the help of a catalyst.