What is Ethanal?

Ethanal is the IUPAC systematic name for the organic compound commonly known as acetaldehyde. Its chemical formula is CH₃CHO (sometimes written as MeCHO, where "Me" stands for methyl).

Key Characteristics of Ethanal

• Structure: It is the simplest aldehyde after formaldehyde, with one methyl group attached to the carbonyl carbon.
• Physical properties: Ethanal is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a pungent, fruity odor.
• Occurrence: It occurs naturally in foods such as coffee, bread, and ripe fruit, and is produced by plants.
• Biological relevance: Ethanal is produced in the human body during the metabolism of ethanol (alcohol) by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase and is partly responsible for hangover symptoms after alcohol consumption.
• Industrial use: It is an important intermediate in the chemical industry, mainly used to produce acetic acid, perfumes, dyes, and medicines.
• Health and safety: Ethanal is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indicating it is carcinogenic to humans.