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'''Acetaldehyde''', sometimes known as '''ethanal''', is an [[organic compound|organic chemical compound]] with the [[chemical formula|formula]] [[Carbon|C]][[Hydrogen|H]]<sub>3</sub>CH[[Oxygen|O]] or MeCHO. It is a flammable liquid with a fruity smell. Acetaldehyde occurs naturally in ripe [[fruit]], [[coffee]], and fresh [[bread]] and is produced by [[plant]]s as part of their normal [[metabolism]]. It is probably best known as the chemical that causes "[[hangovers]]".
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'''Acetaldehyde''', sometimes known as '''ethanal''', is an [[organic compound|organic chemical compound]] with the [[chemical formula|formula]] [[Carbon|C]][[Hydrogen|H]]<sub>3</sub>CH[[Oxygen|O]] or MeCHO. It is a flammable liquid with a fruity smell. Acetaldehyde occurs naturally in ripe [[fruit]], [[coffee]], and fresh bread and is produced by plants as part of their normal [[metabolism]]. It is probably best known as the chemical that causes "[[hangovers]]".
   
 
In the chemical industry, acetaldehyde is used as an intermediate in the production of [[acetic acid]], certain [[ester]]s, and a number of other chemicals. In 1989, US production stood at 740 million pounds (336,000 t).{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
  
In the chemical industry, acetaldehyde is used as an intermediate in the production of [[acetic acid]], certain [[ester]]s, and a number of other chemicals. In 1989, US production stood at 740 million pounds (336,000 t).{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
   
 
==Ethenol==
  
==Ethenol==
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Only a trace of acetaldehyde exists as the [[enol]] form, [[ethenol]], with K<sub>eq</sub> = 6 x 10<sup>-5</sup>.<ref>March, J. “Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structures” J. Wiley, New York: 1992. ISBN 0-471-58148-8.</ref> Ethenol has been detected in the interstellar medium. {{Fact|date=May 2007}}
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Only a trace of acetaldehyde exists as the enol form, [[ethenol]], with K<sub>eq</sub> = 6 x 10<sup>-5</sup>.<ref>March, J. “Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structures” J. Wiley, New York: 1992. ISBN 0-471-58148-8.</ref> Ethenol has been detected in the interstellar medium. {{Fact|date=May 2007}}
   
 
==Applications in organic synthesis==
  
==Applications in organic synthesis==
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Acetaldehyde is a common 2-carbon building block in [[organic synthesis]].<ref>Sowin, T. J.; Melcher, L. M. ”Acetaldehyde” in Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis (Ed: L. Paquette) 2004, J. Wiley & Sons, New York. {{DOI|10.1002/047084289}}</ref> Because of its small size and its availability as the anhydrous monomer (unlike formaldehyde), it is a common electrophile. With respect to its condensation reactions, acetaldehyde is [[prochiral]]. It is mainly used as a source of the CH<sub>3</sub>C<sup>+</sup>H(OH) [[synthon]] in [[aldol condensation|aldol]] and related condensation reactions.<ref>Behrens, C.; Paquette, L. A. “N-Benzyl-2,3-Azetidinedione” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 10, p.41 (2004)</ref> Grignard reagents and organolithium compounds react with MeCHO to give hydroxyethyl derivatives.<ref>Walter, L. A. “1-(α-Pyridyl)-2-Propanol” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 3, p.757 (1955).</ref> In one of the more spectacular condensation reactions, three equivalents of [[formaldehyde]] add to MeCHO to give [[pentaerythritol]], C(CH<sub>2</sub>OH)<sub>4</sub>.<ref>Schurink, H. B. J. “Pentaerythritol” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 1, p.425 (1941). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV1P0425.pdf</ref>
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Acetaldehyde is a common 2-carbon building block in organic synthesis.<ref>Sowin, T. J.; Melcher, L. M. ”Acetaldehyde” in Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis (Ed: L. Paquette) 2004, J. Wiley & Sons, New York. {{DOI|10.1002/047084289}}</ref> Because of its small size and its availability as the anhydrous monomer (unlike formaldehyde), it is a common electrophile. With respect to its condensation reactions, acetaldehyde is [[prochiral]]. It is mainly used as a source of the CH<sub>3</sub>C<sup>+</sup>H(OH) [[synthon]] in [[aldol condensation|aldol]] and related condensation reactions.<ref>Behrens, C.; Paquette, L. A. “N-Benzyl-2,3-Azetidinedione” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 10, p.41 (2004)</ref> Grignard reagents and organolithium compounds react with MeCHO to give hydroxyethyl derivatives.<ref>Walter, L. A. “1-(α-Pyridyl)-2-Propanol” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 3, p.757 (1955).</ref> In one of the more spectacular condensation reactions, three equivalents of [[formaldehyde]] add to MeCHO to give [[pentaerythritol]], C(CH<sub>2</sub>OH)<sub>4</sub>.<ref>Schurink, H. B. J. “Pentaerythritol” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 1, p.425 (1941). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV1P0425.pdf</ref>
   
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In a [[Strecker amino acid synthesis|Strecker reaction]], acetaldehyde condenses with [[cyanide]] and [[ammonia]] to give, after [[hydrolysis]], the [[amino acid]] alanine.<ref>Kendall, E. C. McKenzie, B. F. “''dl''-Alanine” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 1, p.21 (1941). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV1P0021.pdf</ref> Acetaldehyde can condense with amines to yield imines, such as the condensation with cyclohexylamine to give N-ethylidenecyclohexylamine. These imines can be used to direct subsequent reactions like an aldol condensation.<ref>[[Georg Wittig|Wittig, G.]]; Hesse, A. “Directed Aldol Condensations: β-Phenylcinnamaldehyde” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 6, p.901 (1988).</ref>
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In a [[Strecker amino acid synthesis|Strecker reaction]], acetaldehyde condenses with cyanide and ammonia to give, after [[hydrolysis]], the [[amino acid]] alanine.<ref>Kendall, E. C. McKenzie, B. F. “''dl''-Alanine” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 1, p.21 (1941). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV1P0021.pdf</ref> Acetaldehyde can condense with amines to yield imines, such as the condensation with cyclohexylamine to give N-ethylidenecyclohexylamine. These imines can be used to direct subsequent reactions like an aldol condensation.<ref>[[Georg Wittig|Wittig, G.]]; Hesse, A. “Directed Aldol Condensations: β-Phenylcinnamaldehyde” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 6, p.901 (1988).</ref>
   
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It is also an important building block for the synthesis of [[heterocyclic compounds]]. A remarkable example is its conversion upon treatment with [[ammonia]] to 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine ("aldehyde-collidine”).<ref>Frank, R. L.; Pilgrim, F. J.; Riener, E. F. “5-Ethyl-2-Methylpyridine” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 4, p. 451 (1963). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV4P0451.pdf</ref>
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It is also an important building block for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. A remarkable example is its conversion upon treatment with ammonia to 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine ("aldehyde-collidine”).<ref>Frank, R. L.; Pilgrim, F. J.; Riener, E. F. “5-Ethyl-2-Methylpyridine” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 4, p. 451 (1963). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV4P0451.pdf</ref>
   
 
===Acetal derivatives===
  
===Acetal derivatives===
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==Biological aspects==
  
==Biological aspects==
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In the [[liver]], the [[enzyme]] [[alcohol dehydrogenase]] converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, which is then further converted into harmless [[acetic acid]] by [[acetaldehyde dehydrogenase]]. The last steps of alcoholic [[fermentation (food)|fermentation]] in [[bacterium|bacteria]], [[plant]]s and [[yeast]] involve the conversion of [[pyruvate]] into acetaldehyde by the enzyme [[pyruvate decarboxylase]], followed by the conversion of acetaldehyde into ethanol. The latter reaction is again catalyzed by an alcohol dehydrogenase, now operating in the opposite direction.
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In the [[liver]], the [[enzyme]] [[alcohol dehydrogenase]] converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, which is then further converted into harmless [[acetic acid]] by [[acetaldehyde dehydrogenase]]. The last steps of alcoholic fermentation in bacteria, plants and yeast involve the conversion of [[pyruvate]] into acetaldehyde by the enzyme [[pyruvate decarboxylase]], followed by the conversion of acetaldehyde into ethanol. The latter reaction is again catalyzed by an alcohol dehydrogenase, now operating in the opposite direction.
   
 
===Acetaldehyde and hangovers===
  
===Acetaldehyde and hangovers===
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==Other occurrences==
  
==Other occurrences==
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Acetaldehyde is an [[air pollution|air pollutant]] resulting from combustion, such as automotive exhaust and [[tobacco smoking|tobacco smoke]], contributing to the addictive properties of tobacco. <ref>''[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-242792 Smoking]''. (2006). [[Encyclopædia Britannica]]. Accessed 27 Oct 2006.</ref>
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Acetaldehyde is an air pollutant resulting from combustion, such as automotive exhaust and [[tobacco smoking|tobacco smoke]], contributing to the addictive properties of tobacco. <ref>''[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-242792 Smoking]''. (2006). [[Encyclopædia Britannica]]. Accessed 27 Oct 2006.</ref>
   
 
==Safety==
  
==Safety==
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==See also==
  
==See also==
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* [[Wine fault]]
  
   
 
== External links ==
  
== External links ==
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[[Category:Aldehydes]]
  
[[Category:Aldehydes]]
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[[Category:Hazardous air pollutants]]
  
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[[Category:IARC Group 2B carcinogens]]
  
   
 
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Acetaldehyde
Chemical structure of acetaldehydeThree-dimensional structure of acetaldehyde
Common name acetaldehyde
IUPAC name acetaldehyde
Systematic name ethanal
Chemical formula C2H4O
SMILES CC=O
Molecular mass 44.05 g mol−1
Appearance Colorless liquid
Pungent, fruity odor
CAS number [75-07-0]
Properties
Density 0.788 g cm−3
Solubility in water soluble in all proportions
Melting point −123.5 °C
Boiling point 20.2 °C
Critical temperature 188 °C at 6.4 MPa
Viscosity ~0.215 at 20 °C
Structure
Molecular shape trigonal planar (sp2) at C1
tetrahedral (sp3) at C2
Dipole moment 2.7 D
Hazards
MSDS External MSDS
EU classification Very flammable (F+)
Harmful (Xn)
Carc. Cat. 3
NFPA 704
NFPA 704
4
2
2
 


R-phrases R12

, R36/37 , R40


S-phrases
  1. REDIRECT Template:(S2)

, S16 , S33 , S36/37

Flash point −39 °C
Autoignition temperature 185 °C
RTECS number AB1925000
Supplementary data page
Structure and
properties 		n, εr, etc.
Thermodynamic
data 		Phase behaviour
Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data UV, IR, NMR, MS
Related compounds
Related aldehydes Formaldehyde
Propionaldehyde
Ethylene oxide
Disclaimer and references

Acetaldehyde, sometimes known as ethanal, is an organic chemical compound with the formula CH3CHO or MeCHO. It is a flammable liquid with a fruity smell. Acetaldehyde occurs naturally in ripe fruit, coffee, and fresh bread and is produced by plants as part of their normal metabolism. It is probably best known as the chemical that causes "hangovers".

In the chemical industry, acetaldehyde is used as an intermediate in the production of acetic acid, certain esters, and a number of other chemicals. In 1989, US production stood at 740 million pounds (336,000 t).[How to reference and link to summary or text]

Ethenol

Only a trace of acetaldehyde exists as the enol form, ethenol, with Keq = 6 x 10-5.[1] Ethenol has been detected in the interstellar medium. [How to reference and link to summary or text]

Applications in organic synthesis

Acetaldehyde is a common 2-carbon building block in organic synthesis.[2] Because of its small size and its availability as the anhydrous monomer (unlike formaldehyde), it is a common electrophile. With respect to its condensation reactions, acetaldehyde is prochiral. It is mainly used as a source of the CH3C+H(OH) synthon in aldol and related condensation reactions.[3] Grignard reagents and organolithium compounds react with MeCHO to give hydroxyethyl derivatives.[4] In one of the more spectacular condensation reactions, three equivalents of formaldehyde add to MeCHO to give pentaerythritol, C(CH2OH)4.[5]

In a Strecker reaction, acetaldehyde condenses with cyanide and ammonia to give, after hydrolysis, the amino acid alanine.[6] Acetaldehyde can condense with amines to yield imines, such as the condensation with cyclohexylamine to give N-ethylidenecyclohexylamine. These imines can be used to direct subsequent reactions like an aldol condensation.[7]

It is also an important building block for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. A remarkable example is its conversion upon treatment with ammonia to 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine ("aldehyde-collidine”).[8]

Acetal derivatives

Three molecules of acetaldehyde condense to form “paraldehyde,” a cyclic trimer containing C-O single bonds; four condense to form the cyclic molecule called metaldehyde.

Acetaldehyde forms a stable acetal upon reaction with ethanol under conditions that favor dehydration. The product, CH3CH(OCH2CH3)2, is in fact called "acetal,"[9] although acetal is used more widely to describe other compounds with the formula RCH(OR')2.

Biological aspects

In the liver, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, which is then further converted into harmless acetic acid by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. The last steps of alcoholic fermentation in bacteria, plants and yeast involve the conversion of pyruvate into acetaldehyde by the enzyme pyruvate decarboxylase, followed by the conversion of acetaldehyde into ethanol. The latter reaction is again catalyzed by an alcohol dehydrogenase, now operating in the opposite direction.

Acetaldehyde and hangovers

Most people of East Asian descent have a mutation in their alcohol dehydrogenase gene that makes this enzyme unusually effective at converting ethanol to acetaldehyde, and about half of such people also have a form of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase which is less effective at converting acetaldehyde to acetic acid [10]. This combination causes them to suffer from the alcohol flush reaction, in which acetaldehyde accumulates after drinking, leading to severe and immediate hangover symptoms. These people are therefore less likely to become alcoholics. The drug Antabuse (disulfiram) also prevents the oxidation of acetaldehyde to acetic acid, with the same unpleasant effects for drinkers. It has been used in the treatment of alcoholism.

Other occurrences

Acetaldehyde is an air pollutant resulting from combustion, such as automotive exhaust and tobacco smoke, contributing to the addictive properties of tobacco. [11]

Safety

Acetaldehyde is toxic, an irritant, and a probable carcinogen.[12]

References

  1. ↑ March, J. “Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structures” J. Wiley, New York: 1992. ISBN 0-471-58148-8.
  2. ↑ Sowin, T. J.; Melcher, L. M. ”Acetaldehyde” in Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis (Ed: L. Paquette) 2004, J. Wiley & Sons, New York.
    1. REDIRECT Template:Doi
  3. ↑ Behrens, C.; Paquette, L. A. “N-Benzyl-2,3-Azetidinedione” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 10, p.41 (2004)
  4. ↑ Walter, L. A. “1-(α-Pyridyl)-2-Propanol” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 3, p.757 (1955).
  5. ↑ Schurink, H. B. J. “Pentaerythritol” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 1, p.425 (1941). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV1P0425.pdf
  6. ↑ Kendall, E. C. McKenzie, B. F. “dl-Alanine” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 1, p.21 (1941). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV1P0021.pdf
  7. ↑ Wittig, G.; Hesse, A. “Directed Aldol Condensations: β-Phenylcinnamaldehyde” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 6, p.901 (1988).
  8. ↑ Frank, R. L.; Pilgrim, F. J.; Riener, E. F. “5-Ethyl-2-Methylpyridine” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 4, p. 451 (1963). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV4P0451.pdf
  9. ↑ Adkins, H.; Nissen, B. H. “Acetal” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 1, p.1 (1941).http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV1P0001.pdf
  10. ↑ Xiao Q, Weiner H, Crabb DW (1996). The mutation in the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) gene responsible for alcohol-induced flushing increases turnover of the enzyme tetramers in a dominant fashion. J. Clin. Invest. 98 (9): 2027-32.
  11. ↑ Smoking. (2006). Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed 27 Oct 2006.
  12. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/chemfact/s_acetal.txt

See also

External links


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