Ciscrotonaldehyde

Ciscrotonaldehyde is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H6O. It is one of two geometric isomers of crotonaldehyde, the other being transcrotonaldehyde. Structurally, it is an unsaturated aldehyde, meaning it contains both a carbon-carbon double bond and an aldehyde functional group. The "cis" designation indicates that the two higher priority groups attached to the carbon-carbon double bond are on the same side of the double bond. In the case of ciscrotonaldehyde, these groups are the methyl group and the aldehyde group.

This compound is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is soluble in water and many organic solvents. Ciscrotonaldehyde can be synthesized through various chemical reactions, often involving the dehydration of specific alcohols or the oxidation of corresponding unsaturated alcohols. Its reactivity is characteristic of both alkenes and aldehydes, participating in addition reactions across the double bond and reactions involving the carbonyl group. It is an intermediate in some organic synthesis pathways. Like its trans isomer, ciscrotonaldehyde can be irritating and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions.