Technology Type

Type: Methanol Oxidation to Formaldehyde
Process: Oxidation
Abbreviation
: The most important route for the production of Formaldehyde is from Methanol. Methanol is converted into formaldehyde by Catalytic Vapor Phase Oxidation over a Metal Oxide Catalyst. In one variation of the process Methanol is vaporized, mixed with air, and then passed over the Catalyst at 300–600 °C. The Formaldehyde produced is absorbed in Water and then fed to a Fractionating Column. A 37% solution of Formaldehyde in water is removed from the bottom of the Column with some Methanol as a Stabilizer while excess Methanol is taken from the top of the Column and recycled. (From: Mr.Daniel L. Jarvis, in Brydson's Plastics Materials (Eighth Edition), 2017).
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemical-engineering/formaldehyde