Formalin is used-
- as an antiseptic and powerful disinfectant and preservative ;
- in the manufacture of important synthetic plastic e.g., bakelite, plaskon, melmac etc :
- in the preparation of urotropine which is used as urinary antiseptic and in the treatment of gout ;
- in the manufacture of synthetic dyes like indigo :
- in the preservation of biological and anatomical specimens.