npropanal

n-Propanal, also known as propanal or propionaldehyde, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H6O. It is an aldehyde with three carbon atoms, featuring a carbonyl group (C=O) at the end of a straight chain. This colorless liquid possesses a characteristic pungent odor. It is soluble in water and many organic solvents.

n-Propanal is primarily produced through the hydroformylation of ethylene. This process involves reacting ethylene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. It is an important intermediate in the chemical industry.

Industrially, n-propanal serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various other chemicals. It is used in the production of propionic acid, which finds applications in food preservation and the manufacturing of plastics and pharmaceuticals. It is also a building block for producing plasticizers, solvents, and perfumes. While not as common as other aldehydes like formaldehyde or acetaldehyde, its specific structure makes it valuable for certain synthetic routes. Due to its flammability, it is handled with appropriate safety precautions.