Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 200-001-8 | CAS number: 50-00-0
Phototransformation in water
Administrative data
Link to relevant study record(s)
Description of key information
Phototransformation in water is expected to be of minor importance since formaldehyde is rapidly converted to a glycol.
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Additional information
In water, formaldehyde is rapidly hydrated to form methylene glycol. Equilibrium almost totally favours the glycol. Incorporated into atmospheric water, formaldehyde or its hydrate can undergo oxidation. When incorporated from air into cloud water, fog water or rain, formaldehyde can react with aqueous hydroxyl radicals in the presence of oxygen to produce formic acid, water and hydroperoxide (aqueous). The formaldehyde glycol can also react with ozone. In comparison to its biodegradability, however, photochemical degradation of formaldehyde in the aqueous phase does not appear to be relevant. Furthermore, studies on the phototransformation in water or soil are not required for a registration under REACH.
Information on Registered Substances comes from registration dossiers which have been assigned a registration number. The assignment of a registration number does however not guarantee that the information in the dossier is correct or that the dossier is compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (the REACH Regulation). This information has not been reviewed or verified by the Agency or any other authority. The content is subject to change without prior notice.
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