Acetaldehyde
CAS 75-07-0
EC 200-836-8
Formula C2H4O
MW 44.05 g/mol
Flavors & Fragrances Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionPharmaceuticals & Healthcare Preservation & BiocideFlavoring & Acidulant
Description
Acetaldehyde (CAS 75-07-0, EC 200-836-8, formula C2H4O) is a low-molecular-weight aliphatic aldehyde also known as ethanal or ethyl aldehyde. It carries no assigned E-code for direct food use in the EU but is permitted as a flavouring substance under EU Regulation 1334/2008.
In food and beverage formulation, acetaldehyde contributes fresh, apple-like top notes at concentrations typically below 10 ppm, where its high volatility drives rapid sensory impact. In personal care applications, it functions as an intermediate in fragrance synthesis and exhibits antimicrobial activity through electrophilic reactivity with microbial proteins.
Acetaldehyde is supplied in food-grade and technical-grade forms, with food applications requiring compliance with FCC specifications and EU flavouring regulations. It is a registered REACH substance and subject to strict ADR transport classification due to flammability. Packaging is typically in pressure-rated containers or stabilised solutions.
In food and beverage formulation, acetaldehyde contributes fresh, apple-like top notes at concentrations typically below 10 ppm, where its high volatility drives rapid sensory impact. In personal care applications, it functions as an intermediate in fragrance synthesis and exhibits antimicrobial activity through electrophilic reactivity with microbial proteins.
Acetaldehyde is supplied in food-grade and technical-grade forms, with food applications requiring compliance with FCC specifications and EU flavouring regulations. It is a registered REACH substance and subject to strict ADR transport classification due to flammability. Packaging is typically in pressure-rated containers or stabilised solutions.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -123.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 21 °C |
| Density | 0.788 g/cm³ @ Temp: 16 °C |
| Flash Point | 133 °F |
| Appearance | Acetaldehyde is a flammable, volatile, colorless liquid, or gas. It has a characteristic, penetrating, fruity odor. |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | Pungent, fruity odor detectable at 0.0068 to 1000 ppm (mean = 0.067 ppm) |
| Form | solution |
| Water Solubility | > 500 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 52 mm Hg ( 37 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.377 |
| pH | 5 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -0.16 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS02 GHS07 GHS08 GHS06
H
H224H302H311H315H317H319H332H335H336H341H350H351H360H361H370H372H402
P
P203P210P233P240P241P242P243P260P261P262P264P270P271P272P273P280P316P317P318P319P321P330P405P501P264+P265P301+P317P302+P352P304+P340P308+P316P332+P317P333+P317P337+P317P361+P364P362+P364P370+P378P403+P233P403+P235P303+P361+P353P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29121200 |
| UN Number | 1198 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
ethanalaldehydeALDEHYDE C1FORMALDEHYDEFORMALDEHYDIEthyl aldehydeFORMALDE-FRESHAcetic aldehyde
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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