acetaldehyde

American  

[as-i-tal-duh-hahyd] / ˌæs ɪˈtæl dəˌhaɪd /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a volatile, colorless, water-soluble liquid, C 2 H 4 O, having a pungent, fruitlike odor: used chiefly in the silvering of mirrors and in organic synthesis.

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acetaldehyde British  

/ ˌæsɪˈtældɪˌhaɪd /

noun

1. Systematic name: ethanal.  a colourless volatile pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of organic compounds and as a solvent and reducing agent. Formula: CH 3 CHO

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acetaldehyde Scientific  

/ ăs′ĭ-tăl′də-hīd′ /

1. A colorless, flammable liquid, used to manufacture acetic acid, perfumes, and drugs. Chemical formula: C ₂ H ₄ O.

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Etymology

Origin of acetaldehyde

First recorded in 1875–80; acet- + aldehyde

Example Sentences

Reducing the amount of acetaldehyde, the hypothesis goes, should also reduce the physical symptoms caused by its buildup.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2024

When the enzyme is blocked, toxic acetaldehyde builds up in the bloodstream, the researchers said.

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2023

"Researchers know that high levels of acetaldehyde can cause facial flushing, headache and nausea."

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2023

It can cause cancer because it breaks down in the body to form a compound called acetaldehyde, which damages DNA.

From Scientific American • Sep. 21, 2023

In the preparation of chloroform by the action of bleaching powder on ethyl alcohol it is probable that the alcohol is first oxidized to acetaldehyde, which is subsequently chlorinated and then decomposed.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 3 "Chitral" to "Cincinnati" by Various