Electra - 15-3-2014 at 21:50
I've seen mixed literature regarding the depolymerization of Paraformaldehyde. Some say just heat, others say heat with a base, others say just mixing
with a base is enough to depolymerize it.
I recall one paper stating that amines (which are bases) can be methylated by mixing paraformaldehyde and zinc at room temperature, followed (couple
hours later) by the addition of a hydride/hydrogen source. This seems to imply that the paraformaldehyde dissolves in the presence of amines. Though,
what role does zinc play? I know it has something to do with the reduction, but does it have anything to do with the depolymerization? Does anyone
have experience using paraformaldehyde in this manner? I'm not exactly clear on how bases can depolymerize it. Can amines, although weaker bases,
depolymerize PFA, in a similar fashion as NaOH?
Edit:
It seems zinc (as the chloride) seems to act as a lewis acid catalyst for the depolymerization of paraformaldehyde.
[Edited on 16-3-2014 by Electra]