Rapid preparation of gaseous methanediol (CH2(OH)2)

The simplest geminal diol CH2(OH)(2) serves as an important precursor to form atmospheric formic acid. CH2(OH)(2) vapour can be generated by the evaporation of an aqueous formaldehyde solution, prepared by dissolving paraformaldehyde under reflux. Its rovibrational feature at 980-1100 cm(-1) is consistent with the simulation and free of the intense interferences of H2O and CH2O.

Automated summary

The simplest geminal diol CH2(OH)(2) is a crucial precursor for atmospheric formic acid formation. CH2(OH)(2) vapor can be generated by evaporating an aqueous formaldehyde solution prepared by dissolving paraformaldehyde under reflux. The rovibrational feature of CH2(OH)(2) at 980-1100 cm(-1) is consistent with simulations and is not affected by interfering H2O and CH2O.