Formalin:

Formalin , aqueous solution of formaldehydeWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Formaldehyde, Formalin , and Paraformaldehyde Refer to the University of Arkansas Chemical Hygiene Plan for a description of chemicals that will be considered as a Particularly Hazardous Substance (PHS). Formalin is a colorless liquid with a strong, irritating smell, due to the off gassing of formaldehyde. It is this compound that is mainly responsible for the solution’s chemical properties. The solution is neutral in terms of acidity and alkalinity, but it can be oxidized to produce formic acid. Formalin is a 40% aqueous solution of formaldehyde (HCHO) used as a disinfectant, preservative, and antiseptic in laboratories and medical applications.