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Acetaldehyde

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Identification
Molecular formula
C2H4O
CAS number
75-07-0
IUPAC name
acetaldehyde
State
State

At room temperature, acetaldehyde is a liquid, although it evaporates easily due to its low boiling point. It is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air.

Melting point (Celsius)
-123.37
Melting point (Kelvin)
149.78
Boiling point (Celsius)
20.20
Boiling point (Kelvin)
293.35
General information
Molecular weight
44.05g/mol
Molar mass
44.0530g/mol
Density
0.7840g/cm3
Appearence

Acetaldehyde is a colorless, volatile liquid with a pungent and fruity odor. It is often characterized by its strong suffocating scent which is noticeable at low concentrations.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Acetaldehyde (C2H4O)

Acetaldehyde, an organic compound with the formula C2H4O, exhibits noteworthy solubility characteristics:

  • Polar Nature: Due to the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O), acetaldehyde is a polar molecule, which generally enhances its solubility in polar solvents.
  • Solubility in Water: Acetaldehyde is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 100 g/L at 25 °C. This is attributed to hydrogen bonding between the acetaldehyde molecules and water.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: It is also soluble in many organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers, and hydrocarbons, allowing for versatile applications in various chemical processes.

To summarize, the solubility profile of acetaldehyde is largely influenced by its polar carbonyl functional group, making it an important compound in both aquatic and organic environments. Its significant water solubility is particularly advantageous in chemical synthesis and industrial applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde, the simplest aldehyde with the molecular formula C2H4O, is a compound that plays an essential role in both industrial applications and biological processes. Here are a few intriguing aspects of this fascinating chemical:

  • Natural Occurrence: Acetaldehyde is not only produced synthetically but also occurs naturally in small quantities in various fruits, such as ripe bananas, apples, and even in fermented beverages. It contributes to the characteristic flavor and aroma of these items.
  • Biological Significance: Acetaldehyde is produced in the human body during the metabolism of alcohol; it is an intermediate in the breakdown of ethanol. Interestingly, the body also converts it into acetic acid, which is less toxic.
  • Industrial Applications: This compound is widely used in the production of various chemicals and materials. It serves as a precursor for substances such as:
    • Acetic acid
    • Pesticides
    • Perfumes
  • Health Considerations: While acetaldehyde has industrial utility, it is important to note that it is classified as a potential human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Prolonged exposure may pose health risks, emphasizing the need for safety measures in workplaces where it is used.
  • Historical Context: Acetaldehyde was first synthesized in the early 19th century by the German chemist Otto W. Geuther. Over the years, this compound has been studied extensively, revealing its versatile nature and importance in various fields of chemistry.

In summary, acetaldehyde exhibits a remarkable duality: it is both a vital player in biological systems and a key industrial compound. Its diverse applications and natural occurrence make it an exciting subject of study in chemistry.

Synonyms
acetaldehyde
ethanal
75-07-0
acetic aldehyde
ethyl aldehyde
Acetaldehyd
Acetylaldehyde
aldehyde
Aldeide acetica
Octowy aldehyd
Aldehyde acetique
Ethylaldehyde
Azetaldehyd
Acetic ethanol
RCRA waste number U001
NSC 7594
acetaldehydes
NCI-C56326
Acetaldehyde (natural)
FEMA No. 2003
CCRIS 1396
HSDB 230
ACETYL GROUP
ethaldehyde
MFCD00006991
CHEBI:15343
UNII-GO1N1ZPR3B
GO1N1ZPR3B
AI3-31167
EINECS 200-836-8
UN1089
DTXSID5039224
CH3CHO
NSC-7594
DTXCID202
ethanone
NSC7594
EC 200-836-8
ACETALDEHYDE (IARC)
ACETALDEHYDE [IARC]
ACETALDEHYDE (USP-RS)
ACETALDEHYDE [USP-RS]
Acetaldehyd [German]
Acetaldehido
Octowy aldehyd [Polish]
Aldeide acetica [Italian]
Aldehyde acetique [French]
Acetaldehyde Solution in Acetonitrile, 10000ug/mL
Acetic aldehyde; Ethanal; Ethyl aldehyde; NSC 7594
RCRA waste no. U001
Acetaldehyde, >=99%, meets FCC analytical specification
acetaldhyde
acetoaldehyde
Acetaldeyde
Acetehyde
acetic hydride
ethan-1-one
8 - Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde1501
MeCHO
Acetaldehyde Phenolic
ACETALD
CH2CHO
ACETALDEHYDE [MI]
ACETALDEHYDE [FCC]
bmse000647
Epitope ID:145667
ACETALDEHYDE [FHFI]
ACETALDEHYDE [HPUS]
ACETALDEHYDE [HSDB]
WLN: VH1
Pesticide Code: 202300
ACETALDEHYDE [WHO-DD]
Acetaldehyde, >=99%, FG
BIDD:ER0621
Acetaldehyde, >=99%, FCC
CHEMBL170365
GTPL6277
Acetaldehyde, analytical standard
CHEBI:16571
STR01382
Tox21_202479
Acetaldehyde, natural, >=99%, FG
Acetaldehyde, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
STL264249
AKOS000120180
Acetaldehyde 1000 microg/mL in Water
UN 1089
Acetaldehyde, ACS reagent, >=99.5%
CAS-75-07-0
Acetaldehyde, >=99%, FCC, stabilized
NCGC00091753-01
NCGC00260028-01
Acetaldehyde 1000 microg/mL in Methanol
InChI=1/C2H4O/c1-2-3/h2H,1H
MSK005046-10000A
Acetaldehyde, >=90.0%, SAJ first grade
A1640
Acetaldehyde [UN1089] [Flammable liquid]
NS00010070
EN300-19152
1ST005046-10000A
C00084
D78540
Q61457
Acetaldehyde, ReagentPlus(R), >=99.0% (GC)
A838317
BRD-K77914232-001-01-3
Q57695648
Acetaldehyde, puriss. p.a., anhydrous, >=99.5% (GC)
F2190-0651
Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association Number 2003
Acetaldehyde, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
VINYL ALCOHOL (FROM ALCOHOLYSIS OR HYDROLYSIS OF VINYL ACETATE UNITS)
200-836-8