What inhibits the polymerization of formaldehyde?

The correct answer is methanol, which acts as a solvent that can inhibit the polymerization of formaldehyde. When formaldehyde is mixed with methanol, it forms a stable solution that prevents the molecules from undergoing polymerization, which is the reaction that could lead to the formation of larger, more complex structures. Methanol effectively serves to stabilize the formaldehyde and keep it in a monomeric state, which is crucial for its effectiveness in various applications, including embalming.

Water can actually promote the hydrolysis of formaldehyde and may lead to an increase in reactive forms, while glycerin may act as a humectant but does not specifically inhibit polymerization. Acetone, on the other hand, is not a typical solvent used to inhibit formaldehyde polymerization and could have different interactions with formaldehyde. Therefore, methanol is the preferred choice for effectively inhibiting the polymerization process of formaldehyde in relevant applications.