C4H5O2

C4H5O2 is the molecular formula for several chemical compounds, all of which have four carbon atoms, five hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The arrangement of these atoms determines the specific compound and its properties.

One common compound with the formula C4H5O2 is crotonaldehyde. This is an unsaturated aldehyde, meaning it contains both a carbon-carbon double bond and an aldehyde functional group. Crotonaldehyde is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor. It is flammable and can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various organic chemicals, including vitamins, perfumes, and plastics.

Another possibility is vinylacetic acid, also known as but-3-enoic acid. This compound features a carboxylic acid group and a terminal alkene. It is a liquid and can undergo polymerization reactions due to its double bond.

Other isomers of C4H5O2 exist, each with unique structural arrangements and chemical behaviors. These might include various unsaturated carboxylic acids, esters, or cyclic ethers. The specific properties and uses of a compound with the formula C4H5O2 depend entirely on its precise molecular structure. Identifying the exact compound requires further information, such as its chemical name or structural formula.