What does methanal mean?
Methanal is the systematic chemical name for formaldehyde, the simplest member of the aldehyde family. Its molecule consists of one carbon atom, one oxygen atom, and two hydrogen atoms, giving it the formula CH₂O. At ordinary temperatures, pure methanal is a colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor; it is frequently encountered dissolved in water as formalin. Methanal is produced naturally during certain combustion processes and is manufactured on a large scale for industrial use. Its most familiar applications include preserving biological specimens, producing resins and plastics, and manufacturing other chemical compounds. Exposure to concentrated methanal can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and prolonged exposure presents serious health risks. The name is mainly used in chemistry, toxicology, and regulatory contexts, whereas public and commercial discussion more often uses formaldehyde.
nounMethanal is the systematic name for formaldehyde, the simplest aldehyde, with the chemical formula CH₂O. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and is commonly encountered in aqueous solution as formalin.
- The chemical compound CH₂O, a colorless, pungent-smelling aldehyde known also as formaldehyde; in aqueous solution, it is commonly called formalin.
"The laboratory detected a dangerous concentration of methanal in the enclosed workspace."
"Methanal is released during the combustion of certain fuels and is also produced industrially."
"The museum conservators preserved the specimens in a formaldehyde solution."
Methanal is normally treated as an uncountable chemical noun.
"The sensors detected methanal in the storage area."
Methanal has the simplest possible aldehyde structure: one carbon atom, one oxygen atom, and two hydrogen atoms.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does methanal come from?
Methanal is a systematic chemical name formed from methane with the suffix -al, which identifies an aldehyde. It belongs to the same naming family as methane, methanol, and methyl, all of which are associated with the prefix meth-, denoting a one-carbon unit. The familiar alternative name formaldehyde is also formed compositionally, from formic acid and the ending -aldehyde.
How methanal is actually used
Methanal is primarily a technical or scientific name. In general usage, formaldehyde is more common, while formalin usually refers to its aqueous solution.
Easily confused with methanal
Methanal is an aldehyde, whereas methanol is an alcohol; their names are similar, but they have different chemical structures and properties.