Propanal

**Properties**
General
Name	Propanal

Chemical formula	C H₃CH₂CHO
Formula weight	58.08 amu
Synonyms	Propionaldehyde, methylacetaldehyde, propionic aldehyde, propaldehyde
CAS number	123-38-6
UN number	1275
Phase behavior
Melting point	192 K (-81°C)
Boiling point	321 K (48°C)
Triple point	171 K (-102°C) ? bar
Critical point	? ? bar
Δ_fusH	8.59 kJ/mol
Δ_fusS	? J/mol·K
Δ_vapH	28.3 kJ/mol
Solubility	50-100 mg/ml
Liquid properties
Δ_fH⁰_liquid	? kJ/mol
S⁰_liquid	? J/mol·K
C_p	? J/mol·K
Density	0.81 ×10³ kg/m³
Gas properties
Δ_fH⁰_gas	? kJ/mol
S⁰_gas	J/mol·K
C_p	? J/mol·K
Safety
Acute effects	Respiratory irritation, dizziness, skin irritation.
Chronic effects	Pulmonary oedema; mutagenic effects have been reported.
Flash point	-26°C
Autoignition temperature	175°C
Explosive limits	2.3-21%
More info
Properties	NIST WebBook
MSDS	Hazardous Chemical Database
SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used. Disclaimer and references

In organic chemistry, propanal or propionaldehyde is the aldehyde of the 3 carbon propyl group. It has a chemical formula of CH₃CH₂CHO, and is a structural isomer of propanone. At room temperature, it is a colourless liquid with a slightly irritating, fruity odour.

Production

Propanal is mainly produced through the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, combining synthesis gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) with ethene over a metal catalyst:

CO + H₂ + C₂H₄ → CH₃CH₂CHO

It is principally used to make trimethylolethane through condensation with methanol; this process is important in the production of alkyd resins.

Last updated: 08-17-2005 16:56:57