Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Formamide
Formamide is an amide derived from formic acid. It is a clear liquid with an ammonia-like odor. It is used primarily for manufacturing sulfa drugs and synthesizing vitamins and as a softener for paper and fiber. In its pure form, it dissolves many ionic compounds that are insoluble in water, so it is also used as a solvent. Formamide is also a constituent of cryoprotectant vitrification mixtures used for cryopreservation of tissues and organs.
Production
The reaction of formic acid with ammonia produces ammonium formate, which can then be turned into formamide by heating:
HCOONH4 → HCONH2 + H2O
10-26-2009 08:16:03
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details