P

Propionaldehyde

IUPAC: propanal

C3H6O Organic Compounds CAS 123-38-6
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC3H6O
CAS Number123-38-6
Molecular Weight58.08
Melting Point-114 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point120 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.805 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePropionaldehyde appears as a clear colorless liquid with an overpowering fruity-like odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 15 °F. Vapors are heavier than air.
Also Known Aspropanal; 123-38-6; Propanaldehyde; Propylaldehyde; Propaldehyde; Methylacetaldehyde; n-Propanal; Propional; Propionic aldehyde; 1-Propanal
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Propionaldehyde?

Propanal is an aldehyde that consists of ethane bearing a formyl substituent. The parent of the class of propanals. It has a role as an Escherichia coli metabolite. It is a member of propanals and an alpha-CH2-containing aldehyde.

Formula & Notation

C3H6O

IUPAC Name: propanal

Other Names / Synonyms: propanal; 123-38-6; Propanaldehyde; Propylaldehyde; Propaldehyde; Methylacetaldehyde; n-Propanal; Propional; Propionic aldehyde; 1-Propanal

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Propionaldehyde appears as a clear colorless liquid with an overpowering fruity-like odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 15 °F. Vapors are heavier than air.. Molecular formula: C3H6O. Molecular weight: 58.08 g/mol. Boiling point: 120 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -114 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.805 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 50 to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 235 mmHg at 68 °F ; 687 mmHg at 113 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.6.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-114 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point120 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.805 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight58.08
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePropionaldehyde appears as a clear colorless liquid with an overpowering fruity-like odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 15 °F. Vapors are 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 Propionaldehyde
Formula C3H6O
CAS Number 123-38-6
Molecular Weight 58.08
Synonyms propanal; 123-38-6; Propanaldehyde; Propylaldehyde; Propaldehyde; Methylacetaldehyde; n-Propanal; Propional; Propionic aldehyde; 1-Propanal

Frequently Asked Questions

Propanal is an aldehyde that consists of ethane bearing a formyl substituent. The parent of the class of propanals. It has a role as an Escherichia coli metabolite. It is a member of propanals and an alpha-CH2-containing aldehyde.

More "P" Terms

View all "P" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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.