Experiment 108

Objective

To prepare methanal (formaldehyde) by heating calcium formate.

Introduction

Methanal, also known as formaldehyde, can be synthesized by the thermal decomposition of calcium formate. Upon heating, calcium formate decomposes to produce methanal and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).

Reaction:

(HCOO)2​Ca → HCHO + CaCO3​

Materials

Chemicals

●      Calcium formate

Apparatus

●      Test tube

●      Test tube holder

●      Bunsen burner

●      Thermometer

Reagents

●      3.695 g of calcium formate

Procedure

1.    Place the calcium formate in a test tube.

2.    Heat the sample using the Bunsen burner.

3.    Monitor the temperature using the thermometer.

4.    Stop heating once the distinct smell of methanal is detected.

Observation

The formation of methanal is indicated by its distinct odor.

Questions

1.    What is methanal?

2.    How is methanal produced in this reaction?

3.    What are some common uses of methanal?