B

Butyraldehyde

IUPAC: butanal

C4H8O Organic Compounds CAS 123-72-8
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H8O
CAS Number123-72-8
Molecular Weight72.11
Melting Point-146 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point167 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.803 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceButyraldehyde appears as a clear liquid with a pungent odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.
Also Known Asbutanal; 123-72-8; n-butyraldehyde; Butyral; 1-butanal; Butyric aldehyde; Butaldehyde; Butanaldehyde; Butal; n-Butanal
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Butyraldehyde?

Butanal is a member of the class of butanals that consists of propane bearing a formyl substituent at the 1-position. The parent of the class of butanals. It has a role as a biomarker, a mouse metabolite and an Escherichia coli metabolite.

Formula & Notation

C4H8O

IUPAC Name: butanal

Other Names / Synonyms: butanal; 123-72-8; n-butyraldehyde; Butyral; 1-butanal; Butyric aldehyde; Butaldehyde; Butanaldehyde; Butal; n-Butanal

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Butyraldehyde appears as a clear liquid with a pungent odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.. Molecular formula: C4H8O. Molecular weight: 72.11 g/mol. Boiling point: 167 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -146 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.803 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 91.5 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-146 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point167 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.803 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight72.11
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceButyraldehyde appears as a clear liquid with a pungent odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.

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 Butyraldehyde
Formula C4H8O
CAS Number 123-72-8
Molecular Weight 72.11
Synonyms butanal; 123-72-8; n-butyraldehyde; Butyral; 1-butanal; Butyric aldehyde; Butaldehyde; Butanaldehyde; Butal; n-Butanal

Frequently Asked Questions

Butanal is a member of the class of butanals that consists of propane bearing a formyl substituent at the 1-position. The parent of the class of butanals. It has a role as a biomarker, a mouse metabolite and an Escherichia coli metabolite.

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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.