Formaldehyde Molecule in 3D: CH₂O Structure and Facts
Formaldehyde is a carbon atom double bonded to oxygen with two hydrogens. It is used to make resins and to preserve specimens. In Molecule Studio you can spin the formaldehyde molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DFormaldehyde quick facts
| Chemical formula | CH₂O |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 30.03 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 4 |
| Shape | Flat (trigonal planar) |
| Group | Organic |
What is formaldehyde used for?
- Resins for wood products
- Preserving specimens (as formalin)
- Making other chemicals
Interesting facts about formaldehyde
- It is the simplest aldehyde.
- A water solution of it is called formalin.
- It has a strong, sharp smell.
- It is irritating and harmful in high amounts.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
More organic molecules
Formaldehyde questions
What is the formula of formaldehyde?
CH2O.
What is formalin?
A solution of formaldehyde in water, used to preserve specimens.
What is formaldehyde used for?
Making resins and glues for wood products, and preserving.
Is formaldehyde harmful?
Yes, in high amounts it irritates the eyes and lungs and can harm health.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.