Acetaldehyde
Description
Acetaldehyde (CAS 75-07-0), also known as ethyl aldehyde and acetic aldehyde, is a short-chain aldehyde used primarily as a chemical intermediate and flavoring agent across food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Its reactive carbonyl group makes it a building block for synthesizing a broad range of downstream compounds at industrial scale. In food and beverage production, this compound contributes fresh, fruity, and ethereal notes.
Known by FEMA 2003, it is essential to flavor formulations, particularly in dairy, fruit, and alcoholic beverage profiles. Fragrance manufacturers use it as an intermediate in aldehyde-based perfume accords.
It supports the characteristic clean, soapy top notes found in classic fine fragrance compositions. In pharmaceutical synthesis, it functions as a precursor in the production of acetic acid and pyridine derivatives.
The material is also used for other active pharmaceutical intermediates. It sees use as a preservative intermediate in certain industrial applications where controlled antimicrobial action is required during processing.
The product is supplied as a liquefied, low-boiling liquid, typically handled and shipped under refrigeration or pressure. Food-grade material conforming to FCC specifications is available for flavor applications.
Technical-grade material is supplied for industrial synthesis and chemical manufacturing use. This ensures high purity and reliability for large-scale production requirements across various global industrial sectors.
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)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29121200 |
| UN Number | 1198 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Documentation
Other Names
ethyl aldehyde|acetic aldehyde|aldehyde|ethanal|Aldeide acetica|Acetic ethanol|Octowy aldehyd
Related Products
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.