Acetaldehyde
Also known as ethanal, acetic aldehyde, ethyl aldehyde
Key facts
What buyers check first
- Appearance
- Volatile liquid or gas
- Melting point
- -123.4 °C
- Boiling point
- 20.8 °C
- Density
- 0.7834 g/cm³ at 18 °C
- Flash point
- -40 °C
- HS code
- 291212
- Category
- Impurities and reference standards
- UN number
- UN 1089

What is Acetaldehyde?
Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms
Acetaldehyde is the aldehyde formed from acetic acid by reduction of the carboxy group. It is the most abundant carcinogen in tobacco smoke. It has a role as an electron acceptor, a mutagen, a carcinogenic agent, a teratogenic agent, an oxidising agent, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an EC 3.5.1.4 (amidase) inhibitor.
Identifiers
Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy
- IUPAC name
- acetaldehyde
- CAS number
- 75-07-0 CAS number cross-checked
- EC number
- 200-836-8
- Molecular formula
- C2H4O
- UNII
- GO1N1ZPR3B
- MDL number
- MFCD00006991
- INCI name
- ACETALDEHYDE
- InChIKey
- IKHGUXGNUITLKF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C2H4O/c1-2-3/h2H,1H3
- SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
- CC=O
Synonyms
- ethanal
- acetic aldehyde
- ethyl aldehyde
- Acetylaldehyde
- Acetaldehyd
- Aldeide acetica
- Acetic ethanol
- Octowy aldehyd
- Aldehyde acetique
- RCRA waste number U001
- Acetaldehyde Phenolic
- Acetaldehyde 1501
- ethanone
- Ethylaldehyde
- Acetaldehyde (natural)
- Acetyl group
- ethaldehyde
- Azetaldehyd
- Dexmedetomidine Impurity 9
- Acetic aldehyde, Ethanal, Ethyl aldehyde, NSC 7594
- RCRA waste no. U001
- Acetaldehyde, >=99%, meets FCC analytical specification
- acetaldehydes
- acetaldhyde
- acetoaldehyde
Show all 33 synonymsShow fewer synonyms
- Acetaldeyde
- acetic hydride
- ethan-1-one
- 8 - Formaldehyde
- MeCHO
- Acetaldehyde solution
- Acetald
- Acetaldehyde, acs
Physical and chemical properties
Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure
Physical and chemical properties
Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade
| Appearance | Volatile liquid or gasexp.Measured value |
|---|---|
| Odour | Pungent, fruity odorexp.Measured value |
| Taste | Tart taste (fruits containing acetaldehyde before ripening)exp.Measured value |
| Melting point | -123.4 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Boiling point | 20.8 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Density | 0.7834 g/cm³ at 18 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Flash point | -40 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Autoignition temperature | 175 °Cexp.Measured value |
| Solubility | Miscible with water /1 × 10⁺⁶ mg/L at 25 °C/exp.Measured value |
| Vapour pressure | 902 mm Hg at 25 °C, 758 mm Hg at 20 °Cexp.Measured value |
Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.
Computed descriptors
Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation
| Molecular weight | 44.05 g/molcalc.Computed value |
|---|---|
| Exact mass | 44.0262 Dacalc.Computed value |
| LogP (octanol/water) | 0.21calc.Computed value |
| Topological polar surface area | 17.07 Ųcalc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond donors | 0calc.Computed value |
| Hydrogen bond acceptors | 1calc.Computed value |
| Rotatable bonds | 0calc.Computed value |
| Heavy atoms | 3calc.Computed value |
| Rings | 0calc.Computed value |
| Aromatic rings | 0calc.Computed value |
| Fraction sp3 carbons | 0.5calc.Computed value |
| Formal charge | 0calc.Computed value |
| Stereocentres | 0calc.Computed value |
| Lipinski rule of five | Passes (0 violations)calc.Computed value |
Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.
Safety and hazards
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet
Hazard statements
- H224Extremely flammable liquid and vapour.
- H319Causes serious eye irritation.
- H335May cause respiratory irritation.
- H341Suspected of causing genetic defects.
- H350May cause cancer.
Precautionary statements (22)
- P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
- P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- P233Keep container tightly closed.
- P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
- P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
- P242Use non-sparking tools.
- P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
- P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
- P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
- P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
- P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
- P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
- P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
- P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
- P405Store locked up.
- P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
- UN number
- UN 1089
- Transport hazard class
- 3
- Packing group
- I
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.
Full safety data and first aidAcetaldehyde suppliers
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Where suppliers are based
159 suppliers in 29 countries
- United States45
- China35
- India24
- Canada7
- Germany5
- United Kingdom3
- and 23 more countries
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Acetaldehyde price
Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers
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Uses and applications
What the substance is used for, by industry and function
Acetaldehyde is used in the production of acetic acid, acetic anhydride, cellulose acetate, vinyl acetate resins, acetate esters, pentaerythritol, synthetic pyridine derivatives, terephthalic acid, and peracetic acid. It is also used in the production of perfumes, polyester resins, basic dyes, in fruit and fish preservation, as a flavoring agent, an alcohol denaturant, as a hardening agent for gelatin, in fuel compositions, and as a solvent in the rubber, tanning, and paper industries.
Reported uses (ppm):
Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#887].
Hydraulic fracturing uses a specially blended liquid which is pumped into a well under extreme pressure causing cracks in rock formations underground. These cracks in the rock then allow oil and natural gas to flow, increasing resource production. ...
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Although there are dozens to hundreds of chemicals which could be used as additives, there are a limited number which are routinely used in hydraulic fracturing. ... Chemical Name: Acetaldehyde, Chemical Purpose: Prevents the corrosion of the pipe, Product Function: Corrosion inhibitor.
The predominant use of acetaldehyde is as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals.
Industrial uses: Intermediate, Solvent.
Consumer uses: Intermediate.
Use classes: Cosmetics.
Industries and functions
Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name ACETALDEHYDE(fragrance)
Roles
- Escherichia coli metabolite
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite
- acceptor
- aetiopathogenetic role
- animal metabolite
- bacterial metabolite
- carcinogenic agent
- electron acceptor
- enzyme inhibitor
- eukaryotic metabolite
- fungal metabolite
- genotoxin
- human metabolite
- mammalian metabolite
- metabolite
- mouse metabolite
- mutagen
- oxidising agent
- prokaryotic metabolite
- teratogenic agent
Functional uses
- Binder
- Corrosion inhibitor
- Deodorizer
- Flavouring and nutrient
- Fragrance
- Processing aids not otherwise specified
- Softener and conditioner
- Solvent
Cosmetic functions
- Fragrance
Pharmacology
Acetaldehyde is a widespread, naturally occurring, colorless and flammable liquid with a suffocating smell. Acetaldehyde is found in various plants, ripe fruits, vegetables, cigarette smoke, gasoline and diesel exhaust. This substance is widely used in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, dyes and drugs, as a flavoring agent and as an intermediate in the metabolism of alcohol. Acute exposure to its vapors results in irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Acetaldehyde is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)
How it is made
There is ... still some commercial production by the partial oxidation of ethyl alcohol and hydration of acetylene. ... Acetaldehyde is also formed as a coproduct in the high temperature oxidation of butane. A more recently developed rhodium catalyzed process produces acetaldehyde from synthesis gas as a coproduct with ethyl alcohol and acetic acid.
Dehydrogenation of ethanol. ... Ethanol vapor is passed at 260-290 °C over a catalyst consisting of copper sponge or copper activated with chromium oxide in a tubular reactor. A conversion of 25-50% per run is obtained.
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By washing with alcohol and water, acetaldehyde and ethanol are separated from the exhaust gas, which is mainly hydrogen. Pure acetaldehyde is obtained by distillation, the ethanol is separated from water and higher-boiling products by distillation and flows back to the reactor. The final acetaldehyde yield is about 90%. Byproducts include butyric acid, crotonaldehyde, and ethyl acetate.
Oxidation of ethanol is the oldest ... laboratory method for preparing acetaldehyde. In the commercial process, ethanol is oxidized catalytically with oxygen (or air) in the vapor phase. Copper, silver, and their oxides or alloys are the most frequently used catalysts.
Regulatory status
Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance
Europe
- EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)Index no: 605-003-00-6
Health and food
- EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmeticsName: Acetaldehyde, ethanal, Ref no: 1391, Annex ref: II/1391
- Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels
United States
- TSCA inventory (USA)Status: Active in US commerce
HS code and trade data
Customs classification and reported world trade statistics
Global trade
World import and export statistics for the HS code Acetaldehyde is traded under.
Ethanal (acetaldehyde)
- Germany67.4%
- Switzerland * partner reported8.5%
- United States7.7%
* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.
The HS code shown for Acetaldehyde is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Acetaldehyde, based on the data on this page
What is Acetaldehyde?
What is the CAS number of Acetaldehyde?
What is the molecular formula and weight of Acetaldehyde?
What is Acetaldehyde used for?
Is Acetaldehyde hazardous?
What is the HS code of Acetaldehyde?
Where can I buy Acetaldehyde?
Where can I buy Acetaldehyde in India?
What is the price of Acetaldehyde?
Guides for buyers
Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Acetaldehyde
- Article, QualityPharma grades explained: IP vs BP vs USP vs EPWhat the Indian, British, US and European pharmacopoeias are, how their monographs differ, what multi grade claims mean and why a grade alone does not make a product fit for medicines.Read
- Guide, SafetyHow to read a safety data sheet in 10 minutesA section by section method to pull the essentials out of any 16 section SDS: identity, hazards, composition, storage, PPE, properties, transport and emergency measures.Read
- Guide, Trade and logisticsShipping dangerous goods: UN numbers, classes and packing groupsHow the UN dangerous goods system works for chemicals, from the nine classes and UN numbers to packing groups, UN packaging marks, labels, documents and segregation.Read
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