Acetaldehyde: Structure, Properties, and
Applications in Chemistry
A Complete 1000-Word Class Note for Students
Introduction
Acetaldehyde, also called ethanal (IUPAC name), is one of the simplest aldehydes with the
molecular formula CH3CHO. It consists of a methyl group (CH3–) bonded to a carbonyl group
(–CHO). Despite its small size, acetaldehyde plays a significant role in organic chemistry, industrial
manufacturing, and even human metabolism.
Structure and Bonding
Molecular Formula: C2H4O Structure: CH3–CHO The carbonyl carbon is sp2 hybridized, giving the
molecule a planar structure. Bond angles are ~120°. The C=O bond is polar, making acetaldehyde
highly reactive.
Physical Properties
State: Colorless liquid at room temperature Boiling point: ~21 °C Melting point: –123 °C Density:
~0.78 g/cm³ Odor: Sharp, irritating, fruity Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, ether Volatility:
Highly volatile and flammable
Natural Occurrence
Found in ripe fruits, coffee, and bread. Produced during fermentation. Present in wine and beer.
Formed in the human body during ethanol metabolism (responsible for hangover symptoms).
Chemical Characteristics
Reactivity: Highly reactive due to carbonyl group Oxidation: Easily oxidized to acetic acid
Reduction: Can be reduced to ethanol Polymerization: Tends to polymerize, forming paraldehyde.
Important Reactions
Oxidation: CH3CHO → CH3COOH Reduction: CH3CHO → CH3CH2OH Addition of HCN: Forms
hydroxynitriles Addition of alcohols: Forms acetals/hemiacetals Polymerization: Forms paraldehyde
Aldol condensation: Forms 3-hydroxybutanal → crotonaldehyde
Laboratory Preparation
From Ethanol: Oxidation of ethanol with acidified dichromate From Acetylene: Hydration in
presence of Hg2+ salts By Catalytic Oxidation: Ethanol oxidized with silver catalyst
Industrial Production
Wacker Process: Ethylene oxidized using PdCl2 and CuCl2 catalysts Dehydrogenation of Ethanol:
Using copper at high temperatures Hydration of Acetylene: Historically important but less common
Uses of Acetaldehyde
Production of acetic acid Manufacture of acetate derivatives (esters, anhydride, cellulose acetate)
Intermediate in pharmaceuticals Polymerization to paraldehyde (sedative) Solvents and resins
(perfumes, plastics, dyes) Production of pentaerythritol (explosives, paints)
Biological and Health Aspects
In the body: Produced during alcohol metabolism Accumulation causes hangover symptoms Toxic
at high levels, linked to increased cancer risk IARC: Classified as carcinogenic (Group 1 when
associated with alcohol consumption)
Environmental Impact
Released in automobile exhaust and industrial emissions Contributes to air pollution and smog
Volatile but degrades relatively quickly
Safety and Handling
Flammable: Flash point ~–39 °C Toxic: Irritates eyes, skin, respiratory tract Store in cool, dry,
ventilated conditions Industrial handling requires gloves, goggles, fume hood
Exam-Style Questions
1. Write the molecular formula of acetaldehyde. 2. Why does acetaldehyde give a positive DNPH
test? 3. How is acetaldehyde prepared from ethanol in the lab? 4. What is the Wacker process? 5.
Mention two important uses of acetaldehyde.
Memory Tricks
Name link: Acetaldehyde → 'Acetic acid’s child' (oxidation gives acetic acid) Structure clue: CH3
(methyl) + CHO (aldehyde) = CH3CHO Smell reminder: Strong pungent odor like fermentation
Conclusion
Acetaldehyde is a fundamental aldehyde with wide industrial, chemical, and biological significance.
It is essential in organic synthesis and manufacturing but also toxic and carcinogenic. From
laboratory oxidation of ethanol to large-scale industrial Wacker process, acetaldehyde remains one
of the most versatile building blocks in modern chemistry.
