Acetaldehyde: Overview
Description
Acetaldehyde is primarily used as an intermediate in the manufacture of a range of chemicals, perfumes, aniline dyes, plastics and synthetic rubber and in some fuel compounds. Acetaldehyde is also used in the manufacture of disinfectants, drugs, perfumes, explosives, lacquers and varnishes, photographic chemicals, phenolic and urea resins, rubber accelerators and antioxidants, and room air deodourizers. It is also used as a synthetic flavouring substance, food preservative and as a fragrance.
Substance details
Substance name: Acetaldehyde
CASR number: 75-07-0
Molecular formula: C2H4O
Synonyms: Ethanal; ethyl aldehyde; acetic aldehyde; aldehyde; acetylaldehyde; aldehyde acetic aldehyde, NCI-C56326, RCRA waste number U001, UN 1089.
Physical properties
Clear colourless fuming liquid with a pungent, fruity odour. Vapours are heavier than air and can travel considerable distances and cause flash back from combustion sources. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Specific Gravity: 0.778 @ 20°C
Melting Point: -123.5°C
Boiling Point: 21°C
Vapour pressure: 400 mm Hg @ 4.9°C : 760 mm Hg @ 20.2°C
Flash point: -40°C
100% volatile by volume.
Chemical properties
This chemical is dangerous when exposed to heat or flame. It is sensitive to air and may undergo autopolymerization. It is also sensitive to moisture. Upon prolonged storage, it may form unstable peroxides. Can react vigorously with acid anhydrides, alcohols, ketones, phenols, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, halogens, amines phosphorous, isocyanates, strong alkalies and strong acids and is incompatible with oxidising and reducing agents. It also reacts with nitric acid, peroxides, caustic soda and soda ash. Reactions with cobalt chloride, mercury(II)chlorate or mercury(II)perchlorate form sensitive and explosive products. Polymerisation may occur with acetic acid. Autoignition of vapour may occur on contact with corroded metals. Exothermic polymerisation can occur with trace metals. It is miscible with gasoline, naptha, xylene, turpentine, ether, benzene and alcohol. Rubber products decompose on contact with acetaldehyde, but it is not corrosive to most metals.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of acetaldehyde emissions in Australia.
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