PSI Texas State Board Nail Tech Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Test Prep

The chemical formula for formaldehyde is represented as CH2O. This formula indicates that each molecule of formaldehyde consists of one carbon atom (C), two hydrogen atoms (H), and one oxygen atom (O). The simplicity of this structure is significant in organic chemistry, where formaldehyde is often a starting material for various chemical syntheses and reactions.

In addition to being a fundamental building block in chemistry, formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent smell and serves as an important preservative and disinfectant in various applications. Understanding its molecular formula aids in recognizing its potential uses and the precautions necessary when handling this compound, given its toxicity and role as an irritant.

The other choices represent different compounds: C2H4O is the formula for ethylene glycol; CH3COOH is acetic acid, known for its presence in vinegar; and C6H12O6 is glucose, a simple sugar. None of these share the same chemical composition as formaldehyde, which further solidifies CH2O as the correct answer.