I work in a pathology lab and need to know what happens when formaldehyde is mixed with chlorine bleach...the chemical formula would be:
H2C(OH)2 + NaClO
Can anybody out there help me, please?
I can't believe you work in a pathology lab and ask the question. You need to ask your supervisor or the OSHA. MSDS sheets are available for both. There is NO reason to use both bleach and formaldehyde together with tissue samples, if fact is is very dangerous.
In fact, if someone is using those ingredients, OSHA should be contacted immediately, as a clear violation of the law is being performed.
You may want to note that formaldehyde is H2C=O and not what you have written although what you have written is a gem-diol. Gem-diols are not stable, decompose with the loss of a molecule of water, and H2C=O is left.
The reason I ask the question is that supervisors want use to use these two chemicals in a manner that would mix them...I need citeable documentation that they are dangerous when mixed. MSDS sheets don't address mixing these particular chemicals. If I contact OSHA, it takes the problem outside the work environment before it's appropriately addressed in-house. I work with reasonable people. I just need something to point to...please? If anyone has another suggestion, it would be greatly appreciated.
When formaldehyde (H2C(OH)2) is mixed with chlorine bleach (NaClO), a chemical reaction occurs. The reaction can be summarized as follows:
2 H2C(OH)2 + 2 NaClO → 2 HCOONa + 2 H2O + 2 NaOH
In this reaction, formaldehyde reacts with sodium hypochlorite (the active ingredient in chlorine bleach) to produce sodium formate (HCOONa), water (H2O), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
To better understand the reaction, let's break it down step by step:
1. First, the formaldehyde molecule (H2C(OH)2) reacts with the sodium hypochlorite molecule (NaClO). The oxygen in the sodium hypochlorite molecule acts as a nucleophile, attacking the carbon atom in formaldehyde.
2. As a result of this attack, one of the oxygen atoms in the sodium hypochlorite molecule bonds with the carbon atom in formaldehyde. This forms a bond between the carbon atom and the oxygen atom, while the other oxygen atom (originally from sodium hypochlorite) becomes a hydroxide ion (OH-).
3. On the other hand, the hydrogen atoms originally in formaldehyde bond with the remaining sodium and chlorine atoms from sodium hypochlorite to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium chloride (NaCl).
4. Lastly, water is produced as a byproduct of the reaction.
It's essential to note that this reaction can be potentially dangerous due to the formation of sodium hydroxide, which is a strong base. Sodium hydroxide can cause chemical burns or be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Additionally, the reaction may release toxic gases such as chlorine gas under certain conditions.
Therefore, it's crucial to exercise caution when working with these substances and ensure proper ventilation and personal protective equipment are used.