4242. Formicin

Nomenclature

CAS number: 625-51-4
N-(Hydroxymethyl)acetamide; formaldehyde acetamide; methylal acetamide.
C3H7NO2; mol wt 89.09.
C 40.44%, H 7.92%, N 15.72%, O 35.92%.

Description and references

Obtained by warming acetamide with formaldehyde and a small amount of potash: Fuchs, Pharm. Ztg. 1905, 803; DE 164610 (1905 to Kalle).

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless, very hygroscopic mass. Marketed only as a slightly yellowish, syrupy liq. d 1.14-1.18. Very sol in water, alcohol; sol in chloroform, glycerol. Insol in ether.

Use

Antiseptic, disinfectant esp for surgical instruments.