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Acetaldehyde chemical structure, C2H4O, CAS 75-07-0
2D chemical structure

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
Illustrative photo, a closed 1000 litre IBC tote in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

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 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.
Odour
Pungent, fruity odorexp.
Taste
Tart taste (fruits containing acetaldehyde before ripening)exp.
Melting point
-123.4 °Cexp.
Boiling point
20.8 °Cexp.
Density
0.7834 g/cm³ at 18 °Cexp.
Flash point
-40 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
175 °Cexp.
Solubility
Miscible with water /1 × 10⁺⁶ mg/L at 25 °C/exp.
Vapour pressure
902 mm Hg at 25 °C, 758 mm Hg at 20 °Cexp.

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.
Exact mass
44.0262 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.21calc.
Topological polar surface area
17.07 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
3calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.5calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
422WNFPA 704 rating

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 aid

Acetaldehyde suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

159 suppliers in 29 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. ...

Read more

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.

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.

Read more

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 cosmetics
    Name: 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.

HS 2912.12Exact HS code

Ethanal (acetaldehyde)

World exports in 2024
$37M
+22.9% vs 2023, imports $47.7M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Germany67.4%
  2. Switzerland * partner reported8.5%
  3. United States7.7%
Top importers
  1. Germany25.5%
  2. Spain21.1%
  3. Sweden12.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

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?

Acetaldehyde is the aldehyde formed from acetic acid by reduction of the carboxy group. It is the most abundant carcinogen in tobacco smoke.

What is the CAS number of Acetaldehyde?

The CAS registry number of Acetaldehyde is 75-07-0.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Acetaldehyde?

The molecular formula of Acetaldehyde is C2H4O and its molar mass is 44.05 g/mol.

What is Acetaldehyde used for?

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.

Is Acetaldehyde hazardous?

Acetaldehyde carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: extremely flammable liquid and vapour, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Acetaldehyde?

Acetaldehyde is usually classified under HS code 291212 (Ethanal (acetaldehyde)). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Acetaldehyde?

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What is the price of Acetaldehyde?

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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