Paraformaldehyde, solid, EM Grade, >95,5% Purity

Paraformaldehyde, EM Grade, Purified (Polyoxymethylene)

OH(CH2O)n H   F.W. Average: 600   CAS #30525-89-4

Paraformaldehyde is a condensation product of methylene glycol, a compound that has not yet been isolated in pure form. It is a white solid containing between 78% and 98% formaldehyde and is supplied in either prill or granular form. All supplied forms contain more than 95.5% paraformaldehyde.

Both the prill and granular forms consist of small, free-flowing, dust-free beads and are the forms most commonly preferred by EM users. Paraformaldehyde is used as a fast-penetrating EM fixative, typically in combination with glutaraldehyde, acrolein, and osmium tetroxide.

References: Karnovsky, M.J., J. Cell Biol., 27, 137A (1965). Hayat, M.A., Principles and Techniques of Electron Microscopy, Univ. Park Press, p. 68 (1981).

Paraformaldehyde Static Jumps

Before opening a container of paraformaldehyde, apply anti-static spray to the air surrounding the container. This helps reduce static charge, which can cause paraformaldehyde to jump out when the jar is opened.

If no spray is available lightly wipe the outside of the container with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth and open the container slowly and carefully.