Formaldehyde

Definition

Formaldehyde is a simple organic compound with the formula CH2O, found in interstellar space. It is significant in astrochemistry due to its role in the formation of complex organic molecules.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Formaldehyde was first detected in the interstellar medium through radio astronomy techniques.
2. It serves as a precursor to more complex organic molecules, which are essential for the development of life.
3. Formaldehyde can be found in both gas and solid phases within molecular clouds.
4. Its detection helps astronomers map out regions of star formation and understand chemical processes in space.
5. The presence of formaldehyde often indicates regions where ultraviolet light from stars interacts with molecular gas.

Review Questions

• How was formaldehyde first detected in interstellar space?
• Why is formaldehyde important for understanding the formation of complex organic molecules?
• What does the presence of formaldehyde indicate about a region in space?

Related terms

Molecular Cloud:

Large regions of gas and dust where new stars are often born.

Interstellar Medium:

The matter that exists in the space between star systems within a galaxy.

Radio Astronomy:

A field of astronomy that studies celestial objects at radio frequencies.