Lab-scale synthesis of isotopically labeled formaldehyde for the production of formaldehyde-based wood adhesives

The literature dealing with the lab-scale synthesis of isotopically labeled formaldehyde is reviewed and the two main techniques revisited. Methanol oxidation is favored over carbon dioxide reduction. This requires the purchase of the appropriately labeled form of methanol. Although the final yield is low, the product is easily recovered as paraformaldehyde. The critical synthetic parameters are the amount of catalyst and the statistical interaction of catalyst with air flow rate.