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CAS 50-00-0 Inactivating/Detoxifying Agent (Vaccine Manufacturing) Inactivating/Detoxifying Agent (Vaccine Manufacturing)

Formaldehyde Sterile Solution (for vaccine)

IUPAC: Methanal View on PubChem
CAS NUMBER
50-00-0
MOL. FORMULA
CH2O
MOL. WEIGHT
30.03 g/mol
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Scientific Overview

Formaldehyde cross-links proteins and nucleic acids, irreversibly inactivating pathogens (as in inactivated poliovirus and influenza vaccines) or detoxifying bacterial exotoxins into immunogenic but non-toxic 'toxoids' (as in diphtheria and tetanus vaccines), while largely preserving the antigenic epitopes needed to elicit protective immunity.

Formaldehyde Sterile Solution is a sterile, stabilized aqueous formaldehyde (formalin) preparation used in vaccine manufacturing to inactivate viral and bacterial pathogens and detoxify bacterial exotoxins while preserving their immunogenicity.

Full Technical Data
Chemical Name Formaldehyde Sterile Solution (Formalin)
CAS Number 50-00-0
IUPAC Name Methanal
Molecular Formula CH2O
Molecular Weight 30.03 g/mol g/mol
Boiling Point -19°C (gas; supplied as aqueous solution)
Density 1.09 g/mL (37% aqueous solution)
Flash Point 85°C (solution)
Reaction Scheme
Methanol
NA
NA
Formaldehyde Sterile Solution
NA
Commercial Applications

Inactivated Viral Vaccine Manufacturing

Inactivates whole-virus antigens (e.g. poliovirus, influenza) while preserving immunogenic epitope structure.

Toxoid Vaccine Manufacturing

Detoxifies bacterial exotoxins into immunogenic toxoids for diphtheria and tetanus vaccines.

Biologics Sterilization & Cross-Linking

Used in controlled cross-linking applications for certain biologic and diagnostic reagent manufacturing.

Histology & Tissue Fixation Reagent

Functions as a tissue fixative in histopathology and diagnostic sample preparation.

Market Therapeutic Focus
INACTIVATING/DETOXIFYING AGENT (VACCINE MANUFACTURING) PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING VACCINE & BIOLOGICS MANUFACTURING TOXOID PRODUCTION SPECIALTY CHEMICALS CRO/CDMO
Scientific Literature

Formaldehyde Inactivation of Poliovirus: Kinetics and Molecular Mechanisms

Authors: Wallis, C.; Melnick, J.L.

J. Virol.

DOI: 10.1128/jvi.2.5.491-496.1968

Manufacture of Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccines

Authors: Plotkin, S.A. et al. (Chapter)

Plotkin's Vaccines, Elsevier

Residual Formaldehyde in Vaccines: Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Authors: Offit, P.A.; Jew, R.K.

Pediatrics

DOI: 10.1542/peds.112.6.1394
Peer Queries & FAQs
How does formaldehyde inactivate a virus without destroying the vaccine's effectiveness?
It cross-links viral proteins and nucleic acids, blocking replication, while the overall protein shape and surface epitopes remain largely intact so the immune system still recognizes and responds to them.
What is a toxoid, and how is formaldehyde involved?
A toxoid is a bacterial exotoxin chemically inactivated (typically with formaldehyde) so it can no longer cause disease but still triggers a protective antibody response, as used in diphtheria and tetanus vaccines.
Is residual formaldehyde in finished vaccines a safety concern?
Regulatory agencies set strict residual limits, and the trace amounts present in licensed vaccines are far below levels associated with any toxicity, including compared to formaldehyde produced naturally in the body.
What is the recommended storage condition?
Store in a tightly sealed container at 2-8°C, protected from light; formalin solutions can polymerize (forming paraformaldehyde) on cold storage or prolonged standing.

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