A

Acetaldehyde

IUPAC: acetaldehyde

C2H4O Organic Compounds CAS 75-07-0
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2H4O
CAS Number75-07-0
Molecular Weight44.05
Melting Point-190.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point70 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.78 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility0.1 to 1.0 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceAcetaldehyde appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pungent choking odor. Flash point -36 °F. Boiling point 69 °F. Density 6.5 lb / gal. Vapors are heaver than air and irritate the mucous mem...
Also Known Asethanal; 75-07-0; acetic aldehyde; ethyl aldehyde; Acetylaldehyde; Acetaldehyd; Aldeide acetica; Acetic ethanol; Octowy aldehyd; Aldehyde acetique
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Acetaldehyde?

Acetaldehyde can cause cancer according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.

Formula & Notation

C2H4O

IUPAC Name: acetaldehyde

Other Names / Synonyms: ethanal; 75-07-0; acetic aldehyde; ethyl aldehyde; Acetylaldehyde; Acetaldehyd; Aldeide acetica; Acetic ethanol; Octowy aldehyd; Aldehyde acetique

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Acetaldehyde appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pungent choking odor. Flash point -36 °F. Boiling point 69 °F. Density 6.5 lb / gal. Vapors are heaver than air and irritate the mucous mem.... Molecular formula: C2H4O. Molecular weight: 44.05 g/mol. Boiling point: 70 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -190.3 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.78 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 0.1 to 1.0 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 400 mmHg at 40.8 °F ; 760 mmHg at 68.4 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: -0.3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-190.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point70 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.78 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight44.05
Solubility0.1 to 1.0 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceAcetaldehyde appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pungent choking odor. Flash point -36 °F. Boiling point 69 °F. Density 6.5 lb / gal. Vapors are heaver than air and irritate the mucous mem...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Acetaldehyde
Formula C2H4O
CAS Number 75-07-0
Molecular Weight 44.05
Synonyms ethanal; 75-07-0; acetic aldehyde; ethyl aldehyde; Acetylaldehyde; Acetaldehyd; Aldeide acetica; Acetic ethanol; Octowy aldehyd; Aldehyde acetique

Frequently Asked Questions

Acetaldehyde can cause cancer according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.