Methanediol | |
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Methanediol[1] |
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Identifiers | |
Abbreviations | MADOL |
CAS number | 463-57-0 |
PubChem | 79015 |
ChemSpider | 71348 |
EC number | 207-339-5 |
ChEBI | CHEBI:48397 |
Beilstein Reference | 1730798 |
Jmol-3D images | Image 1 |
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Properties | |
Molecular formula | CH4O2 |
Molar mass | 48.04 g mol−1 |
Exact mass | 48.021129372 g mol−1 |
Appearance | Colourless liquid |
Density | 1.199 g cm−3 |
Boiling point |
194 °C, 467 K, 381 °F (at 101 kPa) |
Vapor pressure | 16.1 Pa |
Refractive index (nD) | 1.401 |
Hazards | |
Flash point | 99.753 °C |
(verify) (what is: / ?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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Infobox references |
Methanediol, also known as formaldehyde monohydrate or methylene glycol, is a chemical compound with chemical formula CH4O2, or H2C(OH)2. It is the simplest geminal diol, and formally the second simplest carbohydrate (after formaldehyde).
Methanediol is a product of the hydration of formaldehyde H2C=O, and predominates in water solution: the equilibrium constant being about 103,[2] and a 5% by weight solution of formaldehyde in water is 80% methanediol.
The compound is of some relevance to astrochemistry.[3]
Methanediol is listed as one of the main ingredients of "Brazilian blowout", a hair-straightening formula marketed in the US — even though the California-based manufacturer claims that the product contains no formaldehyde.[4][5]