ethanal

views updated May 14 2018

ethanal (acetaldehyde) Colourless volatile flammable liquid (CH3CHO) manufactured by catalytic oxidation of ethene or ethanol, or catalytic hydration of acetylene. It is used in the breathalyser test and to silver mirrors. Properties: r.d. 0.788; m.p. −123.5°C (−190.3°F); b.p. 20.8°C (69.4°F).