etanal

Etanal is a term found in scattered references but does not denote a single, widely recognized substance or concept in standard reference works. In many scientific contexts, etanal is regarded as a misspelling or variant transcription of ethanal, better known as acetaldehyde.

Ethanal (acetaldehyde) is a simple aldehyde with the chemical formula CH3CHO. It is a colorless, flammable liquid or vapor at room temperature with a characteristic pungent odor. It is produced industrially by the oxidation of ethanol and occurs naturally in small amounts in ripe fruit and in alcoholic beverages. Ethanal is a key intermediate in the manufacture of acetic acid, esters, and various organic compounds. It is reactive and readily forms acetals and aldol products, and it participates in several biological pathways in trace amounts.

Typical properties include a boiling point of 20.2 °C, a melting point around −123 °C, and a density of about 0.785 g/mL at 20 °C. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents. Ethanal is a hazardous chemical, acting as an irritant and posing risks of toxicity; it is also flammable.

Usage note: In English-language chemical nomenclature, ethanal is the preferred term; etanal appears mainly as a historic or transliterated variant and is not used in formal nomenclature.

Alternative uses: In non-chemical contexts, etanal may appear as a brand name or fictional term; such usages are not part of a standard scientific definition.

See also: Ethanal; Ethanol.