Ethanal (Noun)
Meaning
A colorless volatile water-soluble liquid aldehyde used chiefly in the manufacture of acetic acid and perfumes and drugs.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Acetaldehyde, also known as ethanal, is a chemical compound with the formula CH₃CHO, which is used as a flavoring agent and in the production of perfumes.
- Ethanal reacts with water to produce a weak acid that is used as a solvent in various industrial processes.
- The use of ethanal in the production of acetic acid is a multi-step process that involves the oxidation of the aldehyde.
- In excess of 3 million tons of ethanal are produced worldwide each year for use in a variety of applications.
- Ethanal is also used as a precursor in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals, such as paraldehyde.