Our process is based on the oxidation of methanol in the presence of an excess of air over an iron-molybdenum oxide catalyst. The oxidation of methanol is almost complete and a formaldehyde solution of the desired strength is obtained by simply washing the reaction gas with water. In the same plant, changing the working conditions, and feeding urea and caustic soda solution to the absorption column, also a stable urea-formaldehyde precondensate solution with a very low water content may be obtained. This precondensate is apt to be transformed in urea or in MUF glue, at a minimum cost and without any need of distillation.
