Product Overview

Formaldehyde Solution 37% For Molecular Biology (CAS No. 50-00-0) is an aqueous formaldehyde reagent based on formaldehyde, a highly reactive low-molecular-weight aldehyde that readily undergoes addition and condensation reactions with biological molecules. Its electrophilic carbonyl group enables formation of reversible and subsequent cross-linking interactions with proteins and nucleic-acid-associated components, which underpins its value in molecular and cellular research. In nucleic-acid procedures, formaldehyde also disrupts RNA secondary structure, allowing RNA molecules to be analysed under denaturing electrophoretic conditions.

The Molecular Biology grade is intended for preparation and use in established molecular and cellular biology procedures requiring formaldehyde in solution at the stated concentration. Important applications include formaldehyde–agarose gel electrophoresis for denaturing RNA, fixation of cells and biological specimens, and cross-linking workflows used to preserve molecular interactions before downstream analytical procedures. Formaldehyde solutions are also used in chromatin and protein–DNA interaction studies where controlled chemical fixation is required prior to immunoprecipitation or related molecular-analysis steps.

Typical Applications

• Denaturing RNA prior to separation by formaldehyde–agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Formaldehyde–agarose gel electrophoresis for analysis of RNA size and integrity.
• Fixation of cultured cells and biological specimens for molecular and cellular studies.
• Cross-linking of protein–DNA and protein–protein interactions in chromatin-based workflows.
• Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sample preparation.
• Fixation procedures associated with immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical workflows.
• Preparation of molecular-biology reagents and fixation solutions requiring formaldehyde at the stated concentration.

Common Synonyms

• Formalin
• Formol
• Formic Aldehyde
• Methanal
• Methylene Oxide
• Oxomethane

Storage Conditions

Store tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated area and protect the solution from excessive heat and unnecessary exposure to conditions that can accelerate degradation or polymerisation. Minimise evaporation, contamination and prolonged exposure to air during handling, and promptly reseal the container after dispensing to help maintain the intended solution composition and molecular-biology performance.