acetaldehyde (ethanal)
An aldehyde (CH3CHO). Acetaldehyde,
or ethanal, is a colorless, flammable liquid made by thecatalytic oxidation
of ethanol. It is an important reagent used
in the manufacture of dyes, plastics,
and many other organic chemicals. In the presence of acids it forms the
cyclic polymers paraldehyde (CH3CHO)3,
and metaldehyde (CH3CHO)4. The former is used as a
hypnotic, and the latter as a solid fuel for portable stoves and as a poison
for snails and slugs.
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