acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde, also known as ethanal, is an organic compound with the formula CH3CHO. It is the simplest aldehyde and appears as a colorless, volatile liquid at room temperature. It has a sharp, pungent odor and boils at 20.2 °C. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents, and it can polymerize if not stabilized.

Industrial production is mainly by partial oxidation of ethanol over metal catalysts, or by catalytic dehydrogenation of ethanol. Another route is the Wacker oxidation of ethylene to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde also occurs naturally in small amounts in ripe fruit and in fermented beverages, and it is produced endogenously in humans during the metabolism of alcohol.

Acetaldehyde is an important chemical intermediate. It is used in the manufacture of acetic acid, ethyl acetate, crotonaldehyde, and various resins and plasticizers. It also serves as a solvent and a fragrance and flavor ingredient in the food and cosmetics industries.

Safety and metabolism: Acetaldehyde is a toxic chemical and is irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It is flammable and reacts readily with nucleophiles. In humans, ethanol is oxidized to acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase, and acetaldehyde is further oxidized to acetic acid by aldehyde dehydrogenase. Prolonged or high-level exposure is associated with adverse health effects, and acetaldehyde has been linked to an increased cancer risk in relation to alcohol consumption.