CAS Number: 75-07-0 Acetaldehyde, produced by catalytic oxidation from ethylene, is a readily flammable, clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Acetaldehyde is miscible in any ratio with water and the usual organic solvents. In the presence of air or oxygen, acetaldehyde tends to form peroxide and oxidize to acetic acid, while in the presence of mineral acids (traces) it tends to polymerize, and in the presence of alkalis it is inclined to condense or resinify. Acetaldehyde is an important precursor product for purposes including the commercial-scale manufacture of glyoxal, crotonaldehyde, maleic acid, pentaerythritol, acetic acid, ethanol, acetic anhydride, peracetic acid, ethyl acetate, mono-, di- and trichloroacetyl chloride and pyridine bases. It is also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, perfumes and pesticides. Information provided by Celanese Corporation. |
C2H4O, AcH; ethanal; acetic aldehyde; ethyl aldehyde |