ACETALDEHYDE

also called ethanal (CH3CHO) an aldehyde used as a starting material in the synthesis of acetic acid, n-butyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and other chemical compounds. It is manufactured by the oxidation of ethyl alcohol and by the hydration of acetylene. Pure acetaldehyde is a colourless, flammable liquid with pungent, fruity odour; it boils at 20.8 C.