Paraformaldehyde
Alternate Names:Polyoxymethylene
Paraformaldehyde has documented uses as a disinfectant, fungicide, fixation reagent and in the preparation of formaldehyde. In fluorescence studies, paraformaldehyde has been used as as a formalin fixative to fix cells and tissues. To use the chemical as a fixative, it must be converted to the monomer formaldehyde by heating as formaldehyde is the active chemical in fixation.
Technical information
For Use in Electron Microscopy
When using a formalin as a fixative in electron microscopy, the formalin must not contain methanol. Most commercial formalin contains methanol to prevent the formaldehyde from polymerizing. In electron microscopy studies, a fresh formalin solution can be prepared as follows:
1. Add desired amount of paraformaldehyde to a basic buffer or water.
2. Heat while stirring to 55-60°C until it dissolves and forms the formaldehyde solution.