Methanediol, also known as formaldehyde monohydrate or methylene glycol, is an

organic compound Some chemical authorities define an organic compound as a chemical compound that contains a carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bond; others consider an organic compound to be any chemical compound that contains carbon. For example, carbon-co ...

with chemical formula . It is the simplest geminal diol. In aqueous solutions it coexists with oligomers (short polymers). The compound is closely related and convertible to the industrially significant derivatives paraformaldehyde (), formaldehyde (), and 1,3,5-trioxane (). Methanediol is a product of the hydration of formaldehyde. The equilibrium constant for hydration is estimated to be 10³, Eric V. Anslyn, Dennis A. Dougherty (2006)
''Modern physical organic chemistry''
University Science Books. . 1095 pages predominates in dilute (<0.1%) solution. In more concentrated solutions, it oligomerizes to .

Occurrence

The dianion, methanediolate, is believed to be an intermediate in the crossed Cannizzaro reaction. Gaseous methanediols can be generated by electron irradiation and sublimation of a mixture of methanol and oxygen ices. Methanediol is believed to occur as an intermediate in the decomposition of carbonyl compounds in the atmosphere, and as a product of ozonolysis on these compounds.

Safety

Methanediol, rather than formaldehyde, is listed as one of the main ingredients of " Brazilian blowout", a hair-straightening formula marketed in the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

. The equilibrium with formaldehyde has caused concern since formaldehyde in hair straighteners is a health hazard. Research funded by the Professional Keratin Smoothing Council (PKSC), an industry association that represents selected manufacturers of professional-use only keratin smoothing products, has disputed the risk.

References

{{Alcohols Hydrates Carbohydrates Geminal diols Sugar alcohols

Occurrence

Safety

See also

References